‘Joke’ - extraordinary Southgate rant on Man Utd’s Harry Maguire after England own goal v Scotland

Gareth Southgate launched an eviscerating attack on English pundits – and a stirring defence of Harry Maguire – after the defender suffered another rough night at Hampden. Maguire was mercilessly taunted by the Tartan Army when he came on as a half-time sub in an ultimately comfortable 3-1 win for the visitors.

And the barracking only intensified when the Manchester United man scored an own goal to make it 2-1, before Harry Kane’s late goal settled English nerves. Southgate said he had no issue with Scotland fans letting rip at an easy target – but cannot understand why so many in England have persecuted the centre-half

“From a Scotland fans’ point of view I get it and have absolutely no complaints about anything they did,” said the England boss. “But the treatment Harry gets is a consequence of the ridiculous treatment he’s had for a long time now. It’s a joke – I’ve never known a player treated the way he is by our own pundits and commentators. I feel very strongly about it.

“He’s been a key part of the most successful England team for decades. He’s been a stalwart, he’s been crucial and the balls he shows the balls he shows every time he goes out there are absolutely incredible.

“He’s a top player and we’re all with him. Harry was good after the game. We’ve had a good win, he’s played a good part in it, he’s fronted up to the media as he always does. Everything about him is an enormous credit to his character.”