“Absolute joke” – Gareth Southgate blasted boos directed at Harry Maguire

Gareth Southgate has criticised England national team fans for booing Harry Maguire.

A seemingly small number of supporters of the the Thee Lions at Wembley jeered when the Red Devils captain name was read out ahead of the game, and he was booed once again when he touched the ball in the first half.

England national team. boss, Gareth Southgate has faced questions over his selection of Man Utd centre-back due to his poor form at the club level. He did not start against Switzerland on Saturday, however, was recalled to the starting XI for the 3-0 victory over Ivory Coast

“I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute joke,” England manager Southgate told Sky Sports.

“The way he has performed for us has been absolutely phenomenal. I don’t get it. We’re either all in this together or we’re not.

“He’s in an England shirt and not only should you support a player in an England shirt regardless, but when you’ve played at the level he has for us and put the performances in he has, it should be total commitment behind him. I don’t get it at all.

“His performance was pretty faultless really. He stepped out from the back really well for his first goal, was involved in the second one too. So, yeah. The team are totally united. We recognise everyone has difficult moments but he’s a top player and he will come through it.

“They are real England fans and some are influenced by whatever – social media or players that played previously who are influencing opinion. The club situation is obviously very difficult but he’s in an England shirt. A remember decades ago a few players being booed in an England shirt and it’s never been acceptable to me. Fans should always get behind their team.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also spoke on Harry Maguire being booed by England fans at Wembley on his Instagram post.