Gareth Southgate said it was an “absolute joke” that Harry Maguire was jeered by some England fans and Jack Grealish called the treatment of his team-mate “ridiculous”.
Having kicked off World Cup preparations with a 2-1 comeback win against Switzerland at the weekend, the England boss made 10 changes for the friendly against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
Under-fire Manchester United captain Maguire was among those brought in and was greeted by a smattering of boos at Wembley, where his name had received a similar reaction on Saturday.
There were even some jeers during the defender’s first few touches of the ball in the 3-0 win against 10-man Ivory Coast — a baffling reaction that infuriated England’s manager.
“I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute joke,” he told Sky Sports.
“What he has done for us, the way he has performed for England, I do …
- March 30, 2022
