Harry Maguire: Gareth Southgate vociferously defends England star after ‘ridiculous’ treatment
Despite being one of the leading players in Southgate’s rebuild of the Three Lions, the defender continues to face intense scrutiny.
The 30-year-old, despite his loss at Manchester United and his departure as club captain, is a regular in the Three Lions team and is often questioned.
Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill and Fiyako Tomori may offer more fashionable alternatives, but Southgate has shown little interest in ditching Maguire despite his different club form.
Lewis Dunk started alongside Guehi in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Scotland, with Maguire replacing him at half-time.
The United defender then scored an own goal, albeit an unfortunate one, as he tried to clear Andy Robertson’s cross before Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal lead.
Maguire then found himself in the sights of the home team at Hampden Park, prompting Southgate to roar in defense of the player.
“From the Scottish fans’ point of view I understand that I have absolutely nothing to complain about what they have done,” he said.
“Honestly, it’s a result of the ridiculous treatment he’s endured over a long period of time, and I think our fans have realized, ‘Okay, our own fans might get a little annoyed, but we won’t.’ let the others get to you.’ into him.’ But it’s a joke.
“I have never seen a player treated like this, not by the Scottish fans, by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is, they have created something that is beyond anything I have ever seen.”
It was an unfortunate own goal from Maguire, but the debate over its inclusion continues
/ REUTERS“He’s been an absolute pillar of support for us in England’s second most successful team for decades, he’s been an absolutely important part of it.” I’ve spoken about the importance of our senior players, he’s been crucial to that and every time he takes the field, the resilience he shows, the balls he shows is absolutely incredible, so he’s a top player and we’re all with him.
“Our fans were great with him tonight. I feel pretty strongly about it, yeah.
“He’s good, he’s great, we got a good win and he had a big part in it. He excelled as always, which is a great credit to his character.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/maguire-southgate-england-scotland-2023-b1106606.html Harry Maguire: Gareth Southgate vociferously defends England star after ‘ridiculous’ treatment
