The defender ‘got away with one’ after losing his footing and sending a striker tumbling

VIEWERS were hilariously comparing England star Harry Maguire to Boris Johnson after he somehow escaped punishment for “a rugby tackle” tonight.

The bizarre moment came in the 25th minute of the Euro qualifier between North Macedonia and England.

Harry Maguire was compared to Boris Johnson after he ‘got away with one’ against North MacedoniaCredit: Reuters

The star sent Elif Elmas tumbling with a ‘rugby tackle’ after he lost his footingCredit: Channel 4

The referee deemed that Maguire’s challenge was not worthy of a penaltyCredit: Channel 4

But it was hilariously compared to Boris Johnson’s tackle on Maurizio Gaudino in 2006Credit: PA

With the score goalless, the hosts were screaming for a penalty after Elif Elmas went to ground following a clumsy challenge from the Manchester United defender.

The Three Lions ace instantly wagged a finger at the referee to claim Elmas had made a meal of it and fortunately the official agreed with him.

Maguire’s studs appeared to have been caught in the turf, causing him to stumble, and it instantly led to fans comparing him to the former Prime Minister.

Johnson, while famously taking part in a charity game back in 2006 at the Madejski Stadium, committed what many claimed was the “worst tackle ever”.

While appearing for England Legends against their German counterparts, he stumbled over while closing down ex-Manchester City loanee Maurizio Gaudino and ended up headbutting him in the genitals.

And viewers of this evening’s game were quick to see the similarities between that and Maguire’s challenge.

“Maguire turning in to Boris Johnson on the field,” declared one on social media.

Another said the United ace was “channelling his inner Boris”.

“Boris Maguire playing well today,” wrote a fellow fan, as another wrote: “Nice to see Maguire taking tips from Boris on how to tackle.”

And a fellow viewer asked: “How is that not a penalty from Harry Boris Maguire?”

Former England goalkeeper Rob Green told BBC 5 Live: “Harry Maguire has got away with two mistakes there.

“Firstly he gives the ball away and then when he tries to recover he is completely out of control, he just loses his footing and falls into Elmas.

“It almost looked like he stumbled on the pitch.”

Despite getting away with that one, North Macedonia were awarded a penalty shortly before the end of the first half.

Rico Lewis, despite having both eyes on the ball, caught Bojan Miovski with a flailing arm to the face while going for a header.

A penalty was awarded after a VAR check, but Jordan Pickford saved from Enis Bardhi – only for the forward to react quickest and slot home the rebound.