I sympathize with Harry Maguire — Chelsea Legend

Harry Maguire seems very much every critics’ punching bag in anything related to Manchester United or England, which makes it all the more soothing to have the England manager, Gareth Southgate come to the England Centre-Back’s defense amidst the criticisms.

However, this has not gone down well with the English fanbase, with a lot of critics hitting at the England Coach for his continuous faith in Harry Maguire.

For former Chelsea striker turned pundit, Chris Sutton, he believes Gareth Southgate is causing more harm for Maguire than he realizes owing to his recent statement defending the Manchester United player.

According to Sutton, his speech in the aftermath of the friendly versus Scotland was petrol on fire.

Chris Sutton backs his statement up by pointing at Harry Maguire’s recent performances for the England team that has resulted in multiple errors leading to a goal, the most recent was the own goal for Scotland to put the scores at 2-1 shortly before Harry Kane sealed the win with a third goal on the night.

Harry Maguire’s inclusion into the Three Lions squad even attracted criticisms, which Sutton blames on Southgate, owing to the fact the former Man United captain had barely seen game time prior to the International break.

The former Leicester City star’s only appearance being the defeat versus Arsenal at the Emirates for Manchester United.

In Chris Sutton’s analysis of the Harry Maguire situation and controversy, the England boss has more blame than he realizes and the ‘idiots’ statement made by Southgate had only fueled the fire that is on Maguire.

“Southgate poured petrol on the fire with what he said after Tuesday’s game, suggesting “idiots” are to blame for the “joke” that is Harry Maguire’s situation,”.

“Southgate will have to share some of that blame now, though, because he has attracted more attention to the defender.

“Arsenal fans celebrated when he was brought on against them. Scotland supporters cheered his every pass.

“It went wrong for Maguire in both of those matches and he can expect more of the same treatment the next time he plays because, thanks to Southgate, rival fans know they are getting under skins.

“I sympathise with Maguire because it is a big ask for a player who is hardly playing for his club to perform for his country. But the criticism will not stop. Certainly not now.”