Harry Maguire once again found himself as the punchline during England’s win over Scotland, but despite scoring an own goal, Gareth Southgate came out swinging in defence of the player
Gareth Southgate rarely gets so emotional when talking about a player.
But his passionate defence of Harry Maguire after England’s win in Glasgow tells you everything about the manager’s respect for one of his most trusted lieutenants.
Maguire, 30, was mocked by the Scotland fans with an ironic cheer for every pass he made. It is now the same at every away ground. Arsenal fans cheered when he came on as a substitute in their recent win over Manchester United.
England boss Southgate called his treatment an “absolute joke” and he said he was “livid” at the sustained criticism from all quarters. And it has become too much. It’s toxic now, its drifted into ridicule rather than reason and Maguire doesn’t deserve that.