Gareth Southgate, the England manager, strongly criticized the treatment that Harry Maguire has received recently, describing it as a “joke.” Maguire, the Manchester United center half, has faced a wave of criticism, including being stripped of the captaincy and told he has no future at the club. In a friendly international match against Scotland, Maguire was booed by the fans when he came on in the second half and even scored an own goal.
However, Southgate expressed his encouragement when he heard the traveling fans chanting Maguire’s name during England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland. He passionately defended the 30-year-old defender, saying, “Harry’s treatment is a result of the ridiculous treatment he’s received for a long time.” Southgate expressed his frustration at the criticism from pundits and commentators, stating that he had never seen a player treated so badly.
He emphasized Maguire’s importance to the England team, describing him as a “rock” and a “pillar.” Southgate praised Maguire’s character and resilience, highlighting the courage he displays on the field. He firmly stood behind Maguire and commended his performance in the match.
After the game, Southgate noted that Maguire handled the situation well and faced the media with his characteristic professionalism. He believed that everything about Maguire’s demeanor spoke volumes about his character.
Regarding the match itself, Southgate was pleased with England’s performance against Scotland. He explained that their goal was to have a controlled performance with possession to counter the enthusiastic Scottish atmosphere. England posed a significant threat with their passing and displayed excellent defensive work. Southgate praised the team’s outstanding performance and their ability to neutralize Scotland’s threats.
Southgate also singled out Jude Bellingham for praise, describing his performance as fantastic. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Scotland’s midfield and was satisfied with how England managed to limit their influence on the game.
