The main talking point happened even before the ball was kicked. Prior to kick-off, Maguire's name was booed when it was read out.
Follow Us
England head coach Gareth Southgate has slammed the supporters who booed Manchester United defender Harry Maguire before the match started against Ivory Coast. On the pitch, it was a straight forward victory for the Three Lions as they beat 10-man Ivory Coast 3-0 at Wembley. Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling scored one and set up another for Ollie Watkins. Tyrone Mings then headed home the third with the final touch of the game. However, the main talking point happened even before the ball was kicked. Prior to kick-off, Maguire’s name was booed when it was read out.
The reason behind the booing could have been because of the difficult time Maguire has been enduring with Manchester United this season. He has struggled to find his top level, which has been pointed out by many critics and fans at various points this season. Despite his struggles at the domestic level, Southgate was not happy with the reception Maguire received. “I thought the reception was a joke. An absolute joke,” Southgate told Sky Sports. “What he’s done for us and the way he has performed for England has been phenomenal. I don’t get it.”
READ MORE – World Cup 2022: Whatever we do we are going to be criticised, says Southgate
Southgate also urged fans to totally get behind Maguire after everything he has contributed toward the team’s recent success. “We’re either all in this together or we’re not. He’s in an England shirt and not only should you support someone in an England shirt regardless but when he’s played at the level he has, it should be total commitment behind him. So, I don’t get it. He was pretty faultless, stepping out from the back for the first goal and was involved in the second goal. This team is totally united. We recognise people have difficult moments but he’s top player and will come through it.”
“They are real England fans. And some are influenced by whatever, I don’t know if it’s social media, players that have played previously that are influencing opinion… Obviously his club situation is difficult but he’s in an England shirt. I remember a few decades ago when some players were booed in an England shirt – it’s never been acceptable. I’ve never got it. Why would people play any better? Fans should always get behind their team.”
We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with @England fans in the last few years so to hear @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick off was just not right.
— Harry Kane (@HKane) March 30, 2022
Later, England captain Harry Kane took to social media to let the fans know what they did to Maguire was not acceptable, as he fully backed the Manchester United skipper. Kane wrote, “We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with @England fans in the last few years so to hear @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick off was just not right.”
“The fact that he’s been brilliant on the pitch and given us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand. He doesn’t deserve that reception. He’s got full support in the changing room and should have the same from every England fan.”
Manchester City vs Liverpool: Talking points from the action-packed draw
