Booing Harry Maguire an 'absolute joke', says England boss Gareth Southgate

England boss Gareth Southgate has called the booing of defender Harry Maguire in their 3-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast «an absolute joke».

Some fans jeered as the Manchester United captain's name was read out over the tannoy before kick-off at Wembley.

Maguire has endured a difficult season with his club but has been a mainstay in Southgate's team that reached the World Cup semi-finals and Euros final.

«The reception was a joke, an absolute joke,» said Southgate.

Some supporters also booed Maguire's first touch as England claimed a comfortable victory thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins, Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings.

It was Maguire's 42nd appearance for his country and Southgate said the treatment of the 29-year-old was unacceptable.

«I don't know how it benefits anybody. We're either all in it together or we're not,» added Southgate.

«I imagine if you asked a few of them why they did it they probably wouldn't be even able to answer. It's mob mentality. One end of the ground you have a hardcore group trying to get his name sung, it wasn't everybody.

»Players will look at that and think that could be me. It makes players not want to come. It has happened in the past with John Barnes."

Southgate says England will need their more experienced players when they head to Qatar, looking to improve on the semi-final exit four years ago.

The Three Lions boss added: «We need him to do well this summer. We aren't going to win a World Cup with a load of players with three or four caps. That's never happened in the history of the game.»

Speaking to Sky Sports about Maguire, Southgate said: «The way he has performed for us has been absolutely phenomenal, I don't get it.

»He's in an England shirt and not only should you support a player in