Harry Maguire Backed by Gareth Southgate as England Boss Slams Criticism as 'Ridiculous'

• England coach Gareth Southgate has come up with a fierce defence of Harry Maguire
• The defender was on the spot again after an own goal in the friendly against Scotland
• The Three Lions manager has now termed the criticism against Maguire as ‘ridiculous’

Gareth Southgate has condemned criticism aimed at Harry Maguire as he termed pundits' takes on the centre-back as 'a joke'.

In his 59th cap for England, Maguire was unfortunate to score an own goal as the Three Lions claimed a 3-1 win over Scotland on September 12.

He had started on the bench but came on at half-time after an apparent injury to Marc Guehi.

There were early hints that Maguire would have a hard time from the home crowd as his appearance was met with ironic cheers from the Scottish fans for every pass he made.

Southgate names Henderson in England squad despite Saudi move

Football

Things took a turn for the worse for the former Manchester United captain as he bundled the ball into his own net to halve the deficit just moments after coming on.

England added a third goal, but the major talking point from the game was another gaffe from Maguire.

Southgate’s take on Maguire criticism

Southgate has always been criticised for his decision to stand by Maguire in terms of squad selection despite the defender’s club woes.

That was the case on Tuesday, as the England boss branded criticism about the 30-year-old as ridiculous.

"From a Scotland's fans point of view, I get it. I've no complaints with what they did. It's a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time,” he said as cited by Sky Sports.

Southgate hailed Maguire as a Three Lions stalwart and as being part of the most successful England football team in decades.

Messi goes to Hollywood as Miami seek to close playoff gap

Football

"Our fans recognised that there might be a bit of heat from our own supporters but we're not having it from others getting into him. It's a joke. I've never known a player treated the way he is, not just by Scottish fans, but by commentators, pundits, whatever; they've created something beyond anything I've ever seen."

Despite the criticism, Maguire still found time to speak to the media after the game, something which Southgate applauded in his post-match interview, as the BBC also reported.

"He's gone and spoken to the media as that's the sort of lad he is."

Notably, several of Maguire’s England teammates also appear to have his back as they sent out messages of encouragement after his disastrous outing.

Aaron Ramsdale, whose clean sheet was ruined by the own goal, said he sympathised with the defender.

Jude Bellingham stat excites fans

Sports Brief also reported on Jude Bellingham’s incredible stats so far have left sections of fans wanting the England star to win the Ballon d’Or award this year.

Benteke brace gives Rooney's D.C. United playoff boost

Football

Since completing his transfer to the Spanish capital, the 20-year-old midfielder has seen his influence grow astronomically among club and country teammates.

Bellingham's goal for England earned him a Man of the Match award and fans have now tipped him to win the coveted prize as the best player award sooner or later.