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 3-0 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 England 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.
England defender Harry Maguire was booed by some sections of the crowd ahead of the friendly against the Ivory Coast at Wembley. pic.twitter.com/WbZ9d5iC0P
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) 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.”
Following the match, Southgate said it was a ‘joke’ that Maguire was booed by England fans.
🗣 "I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute joke. What he has done for us, the way he has performed for England, I don't get it"
Gareth Southgate was FURIOUS after Harry Maguire was booed by some England fans ahead of the friendly against the Ivory Coast 😡 pic.twitter.com/GwGSApw7aj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 29, 2022
While Maguire’s teammate Jack Grealish said it was ‘ridiculous’ to boo Maguire.
🗣 Jack Grealish on England fans booing Harry Maguire: “Personally I think it's ridiculous. Harry has been outstanding for the country, World Cup and Euros… He's been a fantastic servant for this country… It wasn't something the team liked.” [@Dan_KP]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) March 29, 2022
Back to club action for the defender.
After an impressive performance for England, MaguireMaguire 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.
