England manager Gareth Southgate comes out fighting over Harry Maguire after Scotland win
England star Harry Maguire scored an own goal during his side's win over Scotland
PA
England boss Gareth Southagte has slammed 'ridiculous' criticism of Harry Maguire following his side's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday night.
The Manchester United star came off the bench and scored an own goal during the contest at Hampden Park.
However, goals from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane ensured England maintain their unbeaten run since their World Cup defeat to France last year.
Maguire is a polarising figure these days, with the 30-year-old down in Erik ten Hag's pecking order in Manchester.
England boss Gareth Southgate has defended Harry Maguire after his side's win over Scotland
PA
He retains the backing of Southgate, however, who continues to pick the centre-back despite his issues.
And the England boss came out fighting after his side's win, slamming critics of Maguire and labelling it 'ridiculous' that the defender continues to be targeted.
"I've never known a player treated the way he is," said Southgate.
"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.
"I've talked about the importance of our senior players, he's been crucial among that.
"Every time he goes on the field, the resilience he shows is absolutely incredible. He's a top player and we're all with him and our fans were brilliant with him."
He added: "From a Scotland fans' point of view I get it. I have absolutely no complaints with what they did [celebrating him coming on].
"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.
"They've created something that's beyond anything I have ever seen.
"I think our fans recognised, 'OK there might be a bit of heat from our own supporters but we're not going to have others getting into him.'"
And the England boss also praised Maguire's mentality, insisting he's always able to stand tall despite the criticism he receives.
"He's gone and spoken to the media as that's the sort of lad he is," continued the former Middlesbrough boss.
"He's fronted up as he always does, again enormous credit to his character.
"He's great, we've had a big win. He's been a big part of that."
While it was a night to forget for Maguire, Bellingham was the standout player on display.
The Real Madrid star, who has scored five goals from four matches for the La Liga side, ran the show at the home of the Three Lions' fiercest rivals.
Bellingham grabbed England's second goal of the game, slotting in expertly from close range.
And he also provided the assist for Kane's strike towards the end that kept a Scotland comeback at bay.
Southgate was full of praise for the 20-year-old, dubbing his display as 'outstanding'.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Harry Maguire is in the spotlight after suffering in England's win over Scotland
PA
“He doesn’t have a point to prove to us, we know he is a really good player," said the 53-year-old.
“Saturday was not his best game but we weren’t at the level we wanted to be and we knew he has a fantastic personality to come back from that.
“His performances have been outstanding and one performance isn’t going to change that.
“As an attacking eight, or where he played tonight, he looks to get into the box.
“Tonight his athleticism to press was so important. Scotland’s system is difficult to play against so we slightly changed our system and he did that well.”
You may like
