England manager Gareth Southgate has condemned the “stupid treatment” of defender Harry Maguire. After England’s 3-1 win over Scotland in a friendly in Glasgow on Tuesday, he called the constant criticism a “joke”.
The Manchester United central defender earned his 59th cap, but his performance was overshadowed by an own goal. He was on the bench at the start of the game and was brutally booed when he came on after the break.
Harry Maguire, who is included in the ideal XI for Euro 2021, has been the subject of ridicule at Manchester United for some time, despite being a key element of Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
“You’re kidding,” the coach said. “I’ve never seen a player treated like this by our commentators and pundits who weren’t Scottish fans. It doesn’t matter who they are,” he added.
Speaking after the game, Southgate first said it was “disappointing” to concede the goal, adding of Maguire: “He’s fine, he’s great. We won a great game and he played a big part in the game.”
The manager said he had not complained about the behavior of the Scottish fans, but added: “This is the result of the ridiculous treatment our players have been subjected to over a long period of time.”
“He is a key pillar of England’s second most successful team in decades, an essential element at this time of year,” he said.
In any case, England fans chanted Maguire’s name throughout the second half at Hampden Park after Harry Kane’s goal following goals from Foden and Bellingham in the first period. “Harry Maguire wins 3-1.”
Source: Diario.Elmundo
