It is ridiculous – Southgate defends Maguire after own goal against Scotland

England manager, Gareth Southgate has condemned the criticism Harry Maguire has received recently.

Maguire has made only one substitute appearance for Manchester United this season, but was called up for the matches during this international break.

The 30-year-old was picked to start in the 1-1 draw against Ukraine on Saturday and came on at half-time in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Scotland.

Maguire was jeered by the fans at Hampden Park and mocked for scoring an own goal in the 67th minute.

“He was exceptional for us at the weekend. The reaction tonight is a consequence of idiots really from our side who have created that environment.

“So what I think was brilliant tonight was our fans who were here recognised that they’re going to protect their own. We should be doing that.

“We’re creating a problem for our own player. Some of the articles that were written, some of the comments that were made, were an absolute joke.

“He’s been a tower of strength for us through one of the most successful periods of English football and the response tonight – I understand Scottish fans, they’re having some fun – but it’s created by our own side, it’s ridiculous,” Southgate told beIN Sports after the match.