Gareth Southgate expressed his disapproval towards the strong criticism aimed at his player Harry Maguire, labelling the critics as ‘absolute joke’.
Maguire again became the center of attention after conceding an own goal against Scotland, which briefly put them back in the game.
But Southgate, along with other England’s team-mates, stood by Maguire and came to his defense.
"It's a joke, an absolute joke. It makes me livid"
Gareth Southgate hits out at critics of Harry Maguire 🗣️🏴 pic.twitter.com/n4fhJnArOA
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 13, 2023
“He was exceptional for us at the weekend [in the 1-1 draw with Ukraine]. The reaction tonight is a consequence of idiots really from our side who have created that environment,” the England manager said.
“We’re creating a problem for our own player. Some of the articles that were written, some of the comments that were made, were an absolute joke.”
“He’s been a tower of strength for us through one of the most successful periods of English football and the response tonight – I understand Scottish fans, they’re having some fun – but it’s created by our own side, it’s ridiculous.”