English international and former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire added more miseries to his situation during England’s friendly match against Scotland at Hampden Park, where an unfortunate own goal put him in the spotlight once again.
The 30-year-old defender has faced difficulties at Old Trafford in his professional career. The widespread reporting of his problems with Manchester United has caused a decline in his standing with the team. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the friendly matches against Scotland and Ukraine despite only playing 23 minutes for the Red Devils.
46′ – Harry Maguire comes on for England (🏴 2-0 🏴)
67′ – Harry Maguire own goal (🏴 2-1 🏴)Tough 😰 pic.twitter.com/R9kMiLRAB2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 12, 2023
Although Maguire has often performed better in an England shirt, luck seemed to elude him once more during the recent outing. Coming off as a sub during the match the experienced defender slid in an attempt to prevent a cross from Scotland’s Andy Robertson, only to inadvertently divert the ball into his own net, leaving goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale helpless.
As the ball slid into the goal, Maguire’s expression of shock was clear to see. The Hampden Park supporters, who had already been vocal in their criticism of him, seized the opportunity to further express their annoyance. Prior to their own goal, Maguire had shown poise in possession, but this unfortunate event gave his detractors more ammunition to continue their unrelenting criticism.
Yea he’s the worst CB of all time man….
— am7 (@mshrfseven) September 12, 2023
Various fans in attendance and on social media responded to Maguire’s own goal. One fan, not entirely surprised by his struggles, commented, “I’m in tears, man, of course it’s him.”
Another fan commented, “I have no sympathy.”
Despite Maguire’s own goal, England won the friendly 3-1 thanks to goals from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane.
Gareth Southgate criticized the media in favor of Harry Maguire
Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, spoke out against the media’s treatment of troubled defender Harry Maguire following his own goal in England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland. Southgate was upset with the relentless scrutiny and criticism that Maguire had received from commentators, pundits, and even some fans, not from Maguire himself.
Immediately after scoring an own goal, the crowd booed and taunted Maguire every time he touched the ball. Southgate was aware of the Scottish supporters’ viewpoint, so he had no complaints about their behavior.
🎙️ Gareth Southgate on Harry Maguire: “There has been ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time — it’s a joke.”
“I’ve never known a player treated way he is by our own pundits. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen.” 🏴 pic.twitter.com/PulV8lznHK
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 13, 2023
The constant criticism and questioning that Maguire has received from the press and even some of England’s own supporters irritated Southgate the most.
Southgate consistently emphasized the defender’s contributions to the national team, exhibiting unwavering faith in Maguire. Maguire was an important member of the “second most successful English team for decades,” and his perseverance and dedication to the cause have never wavered.
Southgate said that the way the media and pundits treated Maguire was a “joke.” He said that he had never seen a player endure such unrelenting criticism, not even from opposing fans, commentators, and pundits.