Gareth Southgate has condemned the “ridiculous treatment” of England defender Harry Maguire, labelling the unrelenting criticism a “joke”. The Manchester United centre-back gained his 59th cap instead in England’s 3-1 pleasant win in Glasgow on Tuesday however his efficiency was marred by an personal aim. Maguire, named within the European Championship group of the event two years in the past, has develop into a goal for abuse after struggling for kind and game-time at Old Trafford. But he stays an integral a part of Southgate’s England squad. The 30-year-old made his first begin of the season in Saturday’s 1-1 draw in opposition to Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

However, he was mocked mercilessly when introduced on at half-time in opposition to Scotland three days later.

England boss Southgate mentioned he had no complaints in regards to the Scottish followers’ behaviour, however added that it was a “consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time”.

“It’s a joke,” he mentioned. “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 one thing that is past something 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.”

England followers chanted the defender’s title all through the second half at Hampden Park, bellowing out “Harry Maguire, he’s winning 3-1” after Harry Kane added to Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham‘s first-half objectives.

Asked how Maguire was after the match, Southgate, who described the personal aim as “unfortunate”, mentioned: “He’s good, he’s great. We’ve had a good win, he’s been a big part of that.”