Reuters, September 13 – In response to insulting taunts from Scotland supporters after Harry Maguire’s own goal in Tuesday’s friendly match between England and Scotland at Hampden Park, England manager Gareth Southgate backed the defender.

Due to an injury to Marc Guehi, Maguire was substituted for England at halftime and received mocking applause from the Scottish crowd for each pass he made. Maguire had started the game on the bench.

unintentionally giving Scotland a chance to recover, the Manchester United defender unintentionally prodded a low cross into his own net in the 67th minute.

After the game, Southgate remarked, “Honestly, he has been treated in a ridiculous manner for a very long time.”

“This is a joke. I’ve never seen a player handled the way he is being treated—not by Scottish supporters, but by our own commentators, pundits, and whatever else they may be doing.

The 30-year-old Maguire has failed to play first-team games at Old Trafford after being relieved of his captaincy by his team Manchester United in July.

Nevertheless, Southgate emphasized the center back’s significance for England, noting that he had participated in each of their Euro 2024 qualifying games.

He has consistently supported us in the second-most successful England squad in history. He has been a crucial component of it, according to Southgate.