Southgate Slams Unfair Criticism Of Maguire

The much-maligned Manchester United defender was a second half substitute as the Three Lions beat Scotland 3-1 in an international friendly on Tuesday but scored an unfortunate own goal.

Maguire is out of favour at Manchester United but continues to win the trust of his national team manager, who continues to pick him for his squads.

Having been the butt of jokes from opposition and his own fans as well on several occasions, Southgate says Maguire needs to be cut some slack.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Southgate said: “From a Scotland fan’s point of view, I get it and I have absolutely no complaints with what they did.”

“It is a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time, frankly.

“I think our fans recognised ‘OK, there might be a bit of heat from our own supporters but we’re not going to have it from others getting into him’.

“But it’s a joke. I’ve never known a player treated the way he is – not by the Scottish fans, by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is.

“They’ve created something that’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen.

“He’s been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful England team for decades. He’s been an absolutely key part of that.

“I’ve talked about the importance of our senior players. He’s been crucial amongst that.

“Every time he goes on the field, the resilience he shows, the balls he shows is absolutely incredible.

“He’s a top player and we’re all with him and our fans were brilliant with him tonight.”