“It’s a joke,” Southgate said of England defender Maguire’s treatment.
England manager Gareth Southgate defended Harry Maguire after Scotland fans sarcastically mocked the defender, who scored an own goal in a friendly on Tuesday which England won 3-1 at Hampden Park.
Maguire, who began the match on the bench for England, was brought on at halftime due to an injury to Marc Guehi and faced ironic cheers from the Scottish fans for every pass he completed.
The Manchester United defender inadvertently handed Scotland a lifeline by clumsily prodding a low cross into his own net in the 67th minute.
“To be honest, he’s been treated ridiculously for a long time,” Southgate remarked after the game.
“It’s just a joke.” I’ve never seen a player handled the way he is by our own journalists, pundits, and anything else, they’ve created something beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”
“It’s a joke,” Southgate said of England defender Maguire’s treatment.
Maguire, 30, was stripped of his captaincy by Manchester United in July and has battled for first-team action at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, Southgate underlined his importance for England, with the centre back having featured in all of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
“He’s been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful England team for decades. He’s been an absolute key part of that,” Southgate said.
