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Topics: England, Harry Maguire, Manchester United, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: England, Harry Maguire, Manchester United, Football
Harry Maguire was booed by some England fans ahead of their Nations League clash against Germany.
The Manchester United defender was handed a start by Gareth Southgate despite being dropped by Erik ten Hag at club level.
Maguire, who started in England's 1-0 defeat to Italy last week, was targeted by a section of supporters inside Wembley Stadium.
As his name was read out by the tannoy announcement prior to kick-off, loud boos could be heard.
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His name was booed again when announced a second time moments later.
On Maguire starting against Germany, Joe Cole said on Channel 4: "That’s the big story. It says to me Gareth Southgate says barring a catastrophe Maguire starts at the World Cup, On the last game you want the spine where you want it.
"It is a good vote of confidence and I think he did really well the other night."
Maguire hasn't featured in the Premier League since Man United's crushing 4-0 defeat to Brentford last month.
He's played five games for the Red Devils this season, having played in both of his side's Europa League games.
Even though he's been overlooked at Man United, Gareth Southgate has given his full support to the under-fire player.
"Clearly, it's not an ideal situation [with Maguire]," said Southgate.
"We're only a few weeks on from pre-season so, physically, if they've had a few 90 minutes, that's fine. Another seven to eight weeks, that does start to become more complicated.
"But he is an important player for us and it's important to back our best players. Whatever reputation I have, I'm putting it on there. He is our most dominant aerial centre-back.
"Him and John [Stones] are incredible with the ball – the amount of pressure they have taken for the team in tournaments because we don’t always have that midfield pivot player who can progress the game.
"It means there is a huge amount more pressure on our centre-backs to use the ball well and those two are as good as any in world football at doing that."