England coach defiant despite sustained attacks on defender‘He has been important and is still important for us’
Gareth Southgate says it is his duty to protect Harry Maguire after the abuse of the defender hit new heights during England’s 3-1 friendly win over Scotland last month.
England’s manager, who believes much of it has been driven by social media, made clear that he does not regret criticising the media for whipping up a storm that led to Scotland fans mocking Maguire at Hampden Park. Maguire, who has become a figure of fun since falling out of favour at Manchester United, has always had Southgate’s support and he felt it again after briefly putting his side under pressure with an unfortunate own goal.
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