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".

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 at Wembley thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins, Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings.

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

"The way he has performed for us has been absolutely phenomenal, I don't get it," he added on Sky Sports. "We're either all in this together or we're not.

"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 the first goal, was involved in the second one too. 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.

"I remember decades ago a few players being booed in an England shirt and it's never been acceptable to me. Fans should always get behind their team."

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