Chambered by his own supporters at Manchester United, where he remained this summer despite a release voucher, Harry Maguire is also the target of countless mockery when he plays with England. Coach Gareth Southgate came to the support of his defender on Tuesday, after the victory over Scotland in Glasgow, in a friendly match (3-1). Southgate has condemned the “ridiculous treatment” suffered by Harry Maguire, calling the continued criticism a “joke”.
The Manchester United centre-back, who was part of the Euro 2021 squad, made his 59th cap, but his performance was marred by an own goal. On the bench at the start of the match, he was mercilessly mocked when he entered at half-time. “I’ve never seen a player treated like that, not by Scottish fans, not by our own commentators, pundits, whoever they are,” Southgate said.
He described the “csc” as “unlucky”, adding about Maguire: “He’s good, he’s great. We won a great match, he played a big role in that. »
“An important pillar of the England team”
The coach said he had no complaints about the behavior of Scottish fans, but added that it was “a consequence of the ridiculous treatment the player has been subjected to for a long time.” » “He is an important pillar of England’s second most successful team in decades. It is an essential element of this period,” he assured.
English fans nevertheless chanted Maguire’s name throughout the second half at Hampden Park: “Harry Maguire, he wins 3-1”, after Harry Kane’s goal, following those of Foden and Bellingham in the first half .