Gareth Southgate calls Harry Maguire boos from England fans during Ivory Coast win an 'absolute joke'

Gareth Southgate blasted boos directed at Harry Maguire during England’s friendly win over Ivory Coast as an “absolute joke”. A seemingly small number of fans at Wembley jeered when the Manchester United defender’s name was read out ahead of the match, and he was booed again when he touched the ball in the first half. Ad/> Southgate has faced questions over his selection of Maguire due to his below-par displays at club level.

He did not start against Switzerland on Saturday but was recalled to the starting XI for the 3-0 win over Ivory Coast. International friendliesSterling stars as England ease past 10-man Ivory Coast5 HOURS AGO “I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute joke,” England manager Southgate told Sky Sports. “The way he has performed for us has been absolutely phenomenal.

I don't get it. We're either all in this together or we're not. Sterling stars as England beat 10-man Ivory Coast Fernandes fires Portugal to World Cup «He's in an England shirt and not only should you support a player in an England shirt regardless, but when you've played at the level he has for us and put the performances in he has, it should be total commitment behind him.

I don't get it at all. /> »His performance was pretty faultless really. He stepped out from the back really well for his first goal, was involved in the second one too.

So, yeah. The team are totally united. We recognise everyone has difficult moments but he's a top player and he will come through it.

«They are real England fans and some are influenced by whatever — social media or players that played previously who are influencing opinion. The club situation is obviously very difficult but he's in an England shirt. A remember decades ago a few players being