Gareth Southgate said it was an ‘absolute joke’ that Harry Maguire was mocked by some England fans and Jack Grealish called his team-mate’s treatment ‘ridiculous’ while captain Harry Kane said the ex-Hull City star didn’t deserve the abuse and that ‘it wasn’t right’ as fan condemnation of the abuse grew.
After kicking off World Cup preparations with a 2-1 win over Switzerland at the weekend, the Three Lions boss made 10 changes for the friendly against Ivory Coast on Tuesday. Under fire, Manchester United captain Maguire was among those brought in and was greeted with a handful of boos at Wembley, where his name received a similar reaction on Saturday.
There was even teasing at the defender’s first touches in the 3-0 win over Ivory Coast 10 – a baffling reaction that infuriated the England boss. “I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute joke,” he told Sky Sports. “What he did for us, the way he played for England, I don’t understand. Either we’re all in this together or we’re not.”
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Southgate not only felt Maguire’s abuse was unacceptable, but also damaging to the rest of the England squad. “I don’t understand how this benefits anyone because either we’re all in this together or we’re not,” the England boss said on a night when Ollie Watkins, Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings marked for hosts.
“I imagine if you asked a few why they were doing this they might not even be able to answer because it becomes a mob mentality. “Of course, at one end of the field we have a hardcore section of fans playing his song and trying to get his name sung, so I’m very aware that’s not everyone.
“But either we’re all in this together or we’re not, and don’t think for a minute that other players aren’t going to look at this thinking ‘this could be me someday.'” That’s been one problems with playing for England. The players thought ‘hmmm, do I want to go because when it gets a little tough the crowd will turn on me’.
“It’s happened with John Barnes here, it’s happened with Ashley Cole many times, it’s happened with Raheem, now Harry. They’re all exceptional players, so I really don’t understand how this is going to benefit anyone. one. “We are united as a team. We need a Harry Maguire who plays well if we want to have a chance to do well (in winter) because we are not going to win a World Cup with a bunch of players who have three or four selections.
“That hasn’t happened in the history of the game, so we need our experienced players to play well, especially in those positions on the pitch. He’s top quality. In my opinion, that’s also the best central defender at his club. Where it all starts or is fed from (from where), I’m not sure, but it’s ridiculous. “It’s almost like every time he steps on a pitch football, every action is analyzed to death. I don’t remember any player having had that kind of spotlight on them at any given time.
Those sentiments were shared in the dressing room, with Grealish mystified by the reaction. “Personally, I think it’s ridiculous,” he said. “Harry was amazing for this country at the World Cup, the Euros. I think even tonight he was brilliant. Our first two goals came from him.
“The first chased him with the ball and the second comes from him driving a bit and then playing the pass to Ollie. Not all centre-backs can have these qualities. He’s been a fantastic servant for this country and he’s been brilliant so I think it was ridiculous for him to get booed and it wasn’t something the team liked.
England skipper Kane and midfielder Declan Rice have also spoken out on the matter, via Twitter.
Kane said: “We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with the @England fans over the past few years so hearing @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick-off just wasn’t right.” he was brilliant on the pitch and that he gave us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand. He doesn’t deserve this welcome. He has full support in the dressing room and should get the same from all England supporters.
Rice said: “Total embarrassment from whoever booed tonight. @HarryMaguire93 has been amazing every time he’s pulled on the England shirt. It has become absolute nonsense now. Support your own players. Especially with a major tournament coming up.
Ivory Coast head coach Patrice Beaumelle felt Segie Aurier’s first-half red card had “killed the show” on a night when injury kept Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha out. , to confront the country he represented. “After the first game, he felt pain in his hamstrings,” he said. “Because we flew the day after the France game (to England), when we arrived because he’s from here, it was easier for us to get an x-ray.
“He was grade one-two on the hamstring and because of the schedule with Crystal Palace there was no need to take any chances. He was sad, me too, because for me, he should have played this game. For him, it was a dream to play against England. He started with England, came with Ivory Coast, playing at Wembley, London. It’s football. “
