John Terry sends message to Manchester United captain Harry Maguire as England thump San Marino

Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry has sent a congratulatory message to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire after he became England's highest scoring centre-back in history.

Maguire netted England's opening goal in Monday evening's 10-0 hammering of San Marino to set the Three Lions on their way to officially securing their spot at next year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Just as he did against Albania on Friday evening at Wembley, Maguire netted the game's opening goal with a header, this time powering the ball home from a Phil Foden corner.

Maguire's header was the beginning of an England onslaught, with Gareth Southgate's charges grabbing a further nine goals thanks to strikes from Harry Kane (4), Emile Smith Rowe, Tyrone Mings, Tammy Abraham, Bukayo Saka and an own-goal from Filippo Fabbri.

Kitbag launch 30% flash sale ahead of Black Friday

Savings are available today from sports retailer Kitbag.

The online store is getting a leap on the competition ahead of Black Friday, which this year lands on November 26.

Along with official kits and merchandise from clubs in the Premier League, Kitbag also sells products from top sides in leading leagues across the world including La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga.

Click here to check out the Kitbag website and use the code TOUCH at checkout.

This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.Learn more

Victory for England secured their spot at the top of Group I, meaning they have automatically qualified for next year's tournament in Qatar, unlike the likes of Italy and Portugal who will both require the play-offs.

While it was a record-breaking night for England in the sense that they recorded their biggest ever competitive victory away from home, it was also a record-breaking occasion for Maguire, whose early header took his tally of goals in an England shirt to seven.

His second goal in as many games means that he is now England's all-time leading goalscorer as far as centre-backs are concerned, with his opener against San Marino seeing him surpass Jack Charlton's and Terry's tallies of six.

Having broken Terry's joint-record, the former Chelsea defender has congratulated Maguire in a post on social media.

Taking to Twitter, Terry said: "@HarryMaguire93 congratulations mate. England's highest scoring defender.

"Let's see if a few of the pundits talk about that."

Prior to the international break, Maguire had experienced a huge dip in form for United, sparking a wave of criticism. However, his performances and two goals over the break will have no doubt lifted his confidence ahead of the Premier League return, albeit after victories against poor Albania and San Marino outfits.

Maguire proved to be a regular goalscorer for England in 2021, netting a total of five times this calendar year. Three of his five goals have come this season, with his first coming in the 4-0 triumph over Hungary back in September.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.