MY ACCOUNT
Harry Kane led the chorus of England players who slammed home fans for booing Harry Maguire at Wembley.
Boss Gareth Southgate labelled the reaction an “absolute joke” as a section of the crowd reacted to his name being read out ahead of the 3-0 win over Ivory Coast.
Maguire has had a difficult season at Manchester United but was a crucial part of England sides that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-final and finished runners-up at Euro 2020.
And his fellow Three Lions were left astounded at the actions of some of the 73,405 crowd last night.
Skipper Harry Kane said: “We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with England fans in the last few years so to hear Harry Maguire booed at Wembley before kick-off was just not right.
“The fact that he’s been brilliant on the pitch and given us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand. He doesn’t deserve that reception.
“He’s got full support in the changing room and should have the same from every England fan.”
Writing on Twitter, vice-captain Jordan Henderson added: “I can’t get my head around what happened at Wembley tonight. Harry has been a colossus for England.
“Without him, the progress made at the last two tournaments would not have been possible.
“To be booed at his home stadium, for no reason? What have we become?
“What happened tonight was just wrong. As someone who wants to win with England I feel fortunate to share a dressing room with him. We all feel the same.”
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice went one step further and labelled anyone who joined in as a “total embarrassment.”
Rice wrote: “Total embarrassment from whoever boo’d [sic] tonight. Harry Maguire has been incredible every single time he’s put on the England shirt.
“Absolute nonsense now it’s becoming. Back your own players. Especially with a major tournament coming up.”
Jack Grealish was asked about the response after the game and reiterated the need to keep England’s relationship with their fans strong.
And he also pointed out the role Maguire — the most expensive defender in Premier League history at £80million — had in England’s first two goals of the comfortable victory.
Grealish said: “Personally I think it’s ridiculous. Even tonight he was brilliant.
“Our first two goals, first one him driving out with ball, second one driving a bit and passing to Ollie [Watkins]. Not every centre-back can have those qualities.
“He’s been a fantastic servant for his country and it’s ridiculous for him to get booed. It wasn’t something the team liked.
“Harry’s a strong-minded person. His performance tonight will have done him the world of good. It will only spur him on. It’s not nice to hear but you’ve got a job to do.
“We had a brilliant relationship with the supporters last year at the Euros and we need to keep it like that into the World Cup.”
The side’s relationship with fans was at a low point after their Euro 2016 exit but it has been rebuilt under Southgate and looked stronger than ever despite the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
On Maguire’s part, he opted not to mention the booing ahead of returning to Old Trafford ahead of the final stretch of the season.
Alongside a picture of him playing last night, he wrote: “Enjoyable week playing for my country.”
