Southgate defends Maguire after he scored an own goal in match against Scotland

England’s coach, Gareth Southgate has jumped to the defence of Manchester United defender, Harry Maguire, who scored an own goal in a friendly away at Scotland.

Maguire, who started on the bench for England in their 3-1 win over Scotland, was brought on at half-time owing to an injury to Marc Guehi and was subjected to ironic cheers from the Scottish fans for every pass he made.

Midway through the second half, he put the ball through his own net. This got Scotland back into the game.

The own goal was a result of Maguire attempting to intercept a low cross from Scotland captain Andy Robertson, but due to a lack of communication with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, the ball nestled into the back of the net.

Luckily for Maguire, England managed to score another goal thanks to captain Harry Kane, which made it 3-1 to the Three Lions and put the game out of Scotland’s reach. Kane’s exit from the game shortly afterwards meant Maguire closed the game out as captain, in a moment that would have perhaps restored his confidence after his own-goal error.

Defending Maguire who was trolled by critics, Southgate said;

“I’ve never known a player treated the way he is. 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. 

“From a Scotland fans’ point of view I get it. But it’s a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time. It’s a joke. Not by the Scottish fans but by our own commentators, pundits or whatever it is.”

Ramsdale also came out in support of Maguire, saying after the game;

“I can sympathise with him in a way because I’ve been on the other end of the Premier League fighting to stay up and I’ve been relegated twice. He’s always a threat at set pieces, he knows he can defend, he knows he’s a leader and I love playing with him”.

Maguire could be next seen in action for the Red Devils when they face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, September 16.