September 13th 2023.
Chris Sutton has criticised Gareth Southgate for his passionate defence of Harry Maguire, claiming that it has only made the situation worse. Sutton believes that Southgate's post-match press conference, in which he branded the criticism and scrutiny of Maguire a 'joke', has 'poured petrol on the fire'.
The Manchester United centre-back's inclusion in the England squad was criticised due to his lack of game time, and Maguire was jeered when he was substituted into the match against Scotland. He was then on the receiving end of more mocking when he netted an own goal.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Sutton suggested that Southgate should have acknowledged that criticism and mockery is part of being an elite footballer, instead of implying that 'idiots' were to blame for the situation.
Sutton believes that now rival fans know they can get under Maguire's skin, they are unlikely to stop their mock cheers. He concluded by expressing sympathy for Maguire, who is being asked to perform for his country despite hardly playing for his club.
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