The Man United defender played the full 90 minutes for England
Harry Maguire was booed by sections of England fans at Wembley Stadium during the Three Lions’ friendly win over Ivory Coast on Tuesday night.
The Manchester United defender was included in the starting line-up by manager Gareth Southgate, despite his struggling form at club level.
However, the Three Lions boss kept faith with the 29-year-old, who had impressed during England’s run to the Euro 2020 final last summer.
Maguire subject to boos before and during the match
While Maguire’s name was being read out on the tannoy prior to kick-off, jeers and boos could be heard from several Three Lions fans.
Maguire – who did not feature in England’s last fixture against Switzerland on Saturday – was subject to boos throughout the first-half. However, the boos did stop after around 15 minutes.
The former Leicester City man didn’t let it affect him as he and centre-back partner Tyrone Mings, who scored England’s third and final goal, were solid at the heart of the defence.
Harry Maguire being booed by England fans on the basis of him playing poorly for a team they do not support and likely actively dislike. Despite him being generally very good/important/reliable for the team they do support, for whom he is currently playing.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) March 29, 2022
The defender has come under scrutiny for his performances for United this campaign, with some people questioning his place in the side.
England opened the scoring through Ollie Watkins, who converted Raheem Sterling’s inviting cross in the 30th minute of the friendly match.
Manchester City man Sterling got himself on the scoresheet just before half-time, with the Three Lions in complete control after Ivory Coast captain Serge Aurier was sent-off after receiving two yellow cards. Mings then made it 3-0 in added-time with a simple header.
What has Southgate said about Maguire?
🗣 "Harry Kane usually gets a hat-trick – I don't expect Harry Maguire to do that!"pic.twitter.com/UBHkiQxNkP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 29, 2022
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Southgate said: “I’m very confident [in Maguire]. A lot of our players usually have these questions when they come away with us, it’s usually Harry Kane, he usually gets a hat-trick. I don’t expect Maguire to do that, but we know the only way to answer these questions is on the pitch. That’s the challenge for Harry and everyone else.”
Back to club action for the defender
After an impressive performance for England, Maguire will return to Old Trafford with the Red Devils preparing to face-off against his former club Leicester on Saturday afternoon – hoping to close the gap on fourth-placed Arsenal.
Related links:
- Tyrone Mings defends Harry Maguire amid ‘ridiculous’ criticism of training clip
- Gareth Southgate says dropping Harry Maguire never crossed his mind
- Harry Maguire almost knocks Cristiano Ronaldo’s teeth out in clash of heads
