“It’s a joke,” Gareth Southgate SLAMS Pundits for ‘unfair’ treatment of Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire scored an own-goal vs Scotland.

“It’s a joke,” Gareth Southgate SLAMS Pundits for ‘unfair’ treatment of Harry Maguire

Southgate and Maguire (Via The Telegraph)

Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has come under intense pressure from Fans, Pundits and Social Media alike. The 30-year-old defender has had a rough patch following his poor run of form at Manchester United and this has translated into a night to forget with The Three Lions. The player has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford but it still a regular starter with the National team.

On Wednesday’s clash against Scotland, Maguire came off the bench in the second half. However, things took a wrong turn when the player put the ball into his own net. Following the game, Maguire was heavily criticised on social media as well as by Pundits alike. However, England Head coach Gareth Southgate came to the defense of his trusted Centre-back. He said that the way media treated Maguire was “ridiculous.” He said that he’s never seen another player treated the way Maguire has been over the years. Southgate blasted Pundits, Commentators and Fans alike who have targeted the player in the past as well as on Wednesday’s game.

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“He has been an absolute stalwart for us“, said Southgate as he praised Maguire’s involvement in the “second most successful English team for decades.” Southgate said that Maguire has shown incredible resilience and courage throughout the years. He commended his incredible “character” and strong performances in the past. He also reassured the Press of the player’s mental state, saying that “he is good, he is great” and that he was a big part of the win against Scotland, in spite of his mistake.

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Related : Gareth Southgate says he won’t play Phil Foden in the midfield despite his stellar performances for Manchester City in the position

Rio Ferdinand hits out at Gareth Southgate for James Maddison treatment

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Southgate and Rio Ferdinand (Via SPORTbible)

Former English Footballer and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has come forward with harsh criticism for England boss Gareth Southgate. The TNT Sports Pundit has not been one to hold back when bashing out criticism, be it players or managers. As was the case when Ferdinand pointed out Gareth Southgate’s unjust treatment of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison. The player has put up marvelous performances for Spurs but has failed to get a start at his natural and favoured position with The Three Lions.

Ferdinand, who was speaking at a show called “Vibe With Five” expressed his disapproval of Southgate and his decision to deploy Maddison on the far left and not in his preferred position in the middle of the park. James Maddison operates flawlessly as a number 10 for Ange Postecoglou‘s side with a wondering creative output. Many have dubbed him to be the signing of the summer in the Premier League but this has not been enough to earn him a start in Southgate’s side.

Gareth Southgate still prefers Jordan Henderson over young midfielders like Maddison and Jude Bellingham. Ferdinand said, “Jordan Henderson? There is Maddison. He has gone to a new club at Spurs. On fire. Maddison is playing left-wing!.” Ferdinand has called for Southgate to re-evaluate his options in midfield and experiment with younger midfielders like Maddison, Kalvin Philips and Bellingham. Ferdinand said that Maddison can give that “extra attacking flair” and can be the extra man while playing against bigger sides.

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