Gareth Southgate, England manager, has slammed critics for their constant criticism of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
Maguire, 30, was a dubious choice in Southgate’s squad for the current international break, given his lack of playing time in club football this season. The Englishman’s sole competitive appearance this season was a 23-minute cameo in Arsenal’s 3-1 Premier League loss on September 3.
Harry Maguire was to blame for Ukraine’s opening in last week’s 1-1 UEFA Euro 2024 draw in Warsaw. A few days later, the Englishman was one of the few hiccups in the Three Lions’ 3-1 friendly triumph against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday, September 12.
Within 35 minutes, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham had placed England ahead. Scotland, who have won all five Euro 2024 qualifiers, halved the deficit halfway through the second half due to a Maguire own goal. The Three Lions, on the other hand, recovered their two-goal lead with a Harry Kane goal nine minutes from time.
Following the game, Gareth Southgate slammed English critics for their ‘ridiculous’ treatment of Maguire (via utdreport):
“For a long time, he has been subjected to ridiculous treatment — it’s a farce.” I’ve never seen a player abused like this by our own experts. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
Gareth Southgate on Harry Maguire: "There has been ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time — It’s a joke. I’ve never known a player treated way he is by our own pundits. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen." pic.twitter.com/PfeGS3UGET
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 12, 2023
It’s worth noting that Maguire didn’t start the game and just came on in the second half. Following Eric Dier’s own goal against Australia in 2016, the Manchester United defender became just the second replacement to score an own goal for The Three Lions.