Gareth Southgate Defends Maguire Amidst Harsh Criticism
Gareth Southgate saw his team win 3-1 against Scotland.
He defended Harry Maguire on the ongoal, called some criticism a “joke,” and praised Bellingham and Foden.
Gareth Southgate Defends Maguire
Gareth Southgate Defends Maguire Amidst Harsh Criticism
The England manager, criticized the media’s treatment of Harry Maguire, calling it “ridiculous.”
Maguire, a Manchester United defender, faced criticism due to an own goal against Scotland and recent poor form.
Despite being stripped of the captaincy by his club and facing transfer talks with West Ham, Maguire remained loyal to United.
Southgate defended Maguire’s contribution to the national team and expressed his disappointment with the pundits’ treatment of him.
However, Southgate didn’t speculate on whether Maguire’s own goal was linked to his lack of playing time at United, stating it was unfortunate.
He also praised other players like Lewis and Marc for their performances
Manchester United and England’s Harry Maguire on criticism
Harry Maguire has shared how the critiques of his displays in both club and international settings have deeply affected him.
The Manchester United and England defender no longer holds a consistent spot in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup at Old Trafford due to the arrival of center-back Lisandro Martinez this summer.
Although he has been named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
Which will kick off in Qatar at the end of next week, there have been doubts about his inclusion due to his underwhelming performances at the club level.
Club Career
Maguire commenced his professional journey at Sheffield United, progressing through their youth academy and making his first-team debut in 2011.
His time at the club saw him accumulate more than 100 appearances, solidifying his role as a crucial defensive asset.
In July 2014, he transferred to Hull City, who were then part of the English Premier League.
Maguire played a pivotal role in the team’s return to the top-flight during the 2015-16 season and helped them reach the 2017 League Cup final, despite their loss to Manchester United.
His standout performances at Hull City led to a move to Leicester City in June 2017 for a record-breaking £17 million fee for a defender at the time.
Maguire swiftly became a fan favorite, contributing to the team’s top-half Premier League finishes in both his seasons with the club.
In August 2019, Maguire made an £80 million switch to Manchester United, setting yet another record transfer fee for a defender.
He became an immediate starter and was appointed the club’s captain in January 2020.
Maguire played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s third-place finish in the 2019-20 Premier League season and their appearance in the 2021 Europa League final.
However, his starting position was jeopardized in the 2022-23 season under the management of Erik ten Hag due to a slump in form and inconsistency.
Nonetheless, he celebrated victory in the Carabao Cup in February 2023 as Manchester United defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the final.
International Career
Maguire made his England senior team debut in October 2017, contributing to their 2018 World Cup qualification.
He played every minute of the 2018 World Cup, scored his first international goal against Sweden.
He has been a consistent presence in the squad since, including the UEFA Euro 2020, where he earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
In November 2021, he became England’s highest-scoring defender with seven goals.
Awards and Achievements
| Hull City | Football League Championship play-offs: 2016 |
| Manchester United | EFL Cup: 2022–23 |
| Individual | PFA Team of the Year: 2011–12 League One, 2012–13 League One, 2013–14 League One |
| Football League One Team of the Season: 2013–14 | |
| Football League Young Player of the Month: August 2011 | |
| Sheffield United Player of the Year: 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14 | |
| Sheffield United Young Player of the Year: 2011–12 | |
| Hull City Fans’ Player of the Year: 2016–17 | |
| Hull City Players’ Player of the Year: 2016–17 | |
| Leicester City Player of the Season: 2017–18 | |
| Leicester City Players’ Player of the Season: 2017–18 | |
| UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2020–21 | |
| UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2020 |
