- Harry Maguire scored own goal during England’s 3-1 win at Scotland
- Home fans sarcastically cheered his introduction from the bench
- Gareth Southgate questioned over continued inclusion of Maguire despite poor club form
During England’s victory over Scotland, Maguire scored an own goal / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages
England boss Gareth Southgate has defended Harry Maguire once more after the defender came under fire following Tuesday’s 3-1 triumph over Scotland.
The Three Lions were leading 2-0 in the friendly to commemorate the 150th anniversary of football’s longest rivalry when Maguire came off the bench and scored an own goal in the second half.
The centre-back dangled a leg to deflect Andy Robertson’s cross past Aaron Ramsdale, who had already committed to preventing the ball from reaching Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes. England would go on to win the game thanks to a late Harry Kane goal.
Maguire’s continued participation in the England squad has been questioned, considering that he lost his starting spot with Manchester United last season, appearing in only 16 Premier League games. During the summer, he was stripped of the captain’s armband, and Bruno Fernandes took over.
A succession of high-profile gaffes has also contributed to doubts about Maguire’s place in Southgate’s squad, but addressing to the press on Tuesday evening, Southgate ignored these concerns and backed the 30-year-old once more.
“I’ve never known a player to be treated the way he is,” Southgate stated. “For decades, he’s been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful England team – he’s been an absolutely key part of that.”
“I’ve mentioned the importance of our senior players, and he’s been crucial among them.”Every time he steps onto the field, he demonstrates remarkable resilience. He’s a fantastic player, and we’re all behind him, and our supporters have been fantastic with him.”
When asked about home fans praising Maguire’s arrival, Southgate said, “From a Scotland fans’ point of view, I get it.” I have no issues about what they did.
“But it’s the result of a long period of inhumane treatment of him.”It’s all a joke. Not by Scottish supporters, but by our own commentators, pundits, or whatever you want to call them. They’ve developed something unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
“I think our fans realized, ‘OK, there might be some heat from our own fans, but we’re not going to have others get into him.'”
