Maguire started on the bench for England&aposs friendly at Hampden Park, but he replaced Marc Guehi at half-time and Scotland fans jeered his every touch from the stands and sarcastically cheered when he completed a pass.
Unfortunately, that was followed by Maguire scoring an own goal in the 67th minute when turning a Scotland cross into his own net. Harry Kane scored shortly after that setback and England won the game 3-1,
Southgate was asked about Maguire in his press conference after the game and defended the centre-back, who he&aposs continued to select in recent times despite his patch club form and recent lack of game time.
“From a Scotland&aposs fans&apos point of view, I get it. I&aposve no complaints with what they did. It&aposs a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time,” Southgate said.
“Our fans recognised that there might be a bit of heat from our own supporters but we&aposre not having it from others getting into him. It&aposs a joke. I&aposve never known a player treated the way he is, not just by Scottish fans, but by commentators, pundits, whatever, they&aposve created something beyond anything I&aposve ever seen.
“He&aposs been a stalwart for us, part of the most successful England team for decades. He&aposs been a key part of that. I&aposve spoken about the importance of the senior players, he is crucial to that.
