England football team defender Harry Maguire has shared his thoughts on the criticism he has faced following his Tuesday’s performance.
Maguire was the centre of mockery when Scotland fans, ironically applauded every time he successfully passed the ball.
He went on to Score an own goal in England’s 3-1 Victory.
England’s boss Gareth Southgate came to the defence of the Manchester United defender, condemning the treatment of Maguire after the game by the fans and media.
Southgate termed the “ridiculous treatment” of Maguire as a “joke”
“It’s a joke. I’ve never known a player treated the way he is not by the Scottish fans, but by our commentators, pundits,”
Maguire now says the reaction from Scotland fans in the friendly at Hampden Park was just a “little bit of banter” and he “can deal with it”.
“It pretty much takes the pressure away from my teammates and puts it all on myself,” Maguire said.
“It makes them play better, for sure.”
Maguire has faced substantial criticism from both the media and social media.
This has resulted in him being jeered by his supporters during England’s 2022 friendlies.
First against Ivory Coast and Germany, as well as during Manchester United’s pre-season matches abroad in both the previous and current years.
Ahead of the new EPL season, Maguire’s manager at Old Trafford, Erik Ten Hag, relieved him of the captain’s armband.
Consequently initiating transfer talks for the 30-year-old to West Ham.
However, he chose to stay at United and earn his strips at Old Trafford.
In four of his last five matches, Maguire represented England. His sole appearance for United this season came as a substitute in their loss against Arsenal.
So far in 2023, he has accumulated just 491 minutes in the Premier League.
“I finished off last season with two very strong performances for England and I have played in all five matches to help put us where we are in qualifying, so I need to keep performing when I get chosen.
“At club football, I want to play games, I want to play football.
He remains a regular for England and was only a half-time substitute at Hampden Park because Southgate rotated his team for a friendly.
