Harry Maguire became the target of ridicule after an unfortunate own goal during the match against Scotland, but England’s captain, Harry Kane, has stepped up to defend his international teammate. As Bayern Munich gets ready to host Manchester United in the upcoming Champions League clash, Kane’s words have added a layer of support to Maguire’s resilience.
Maguire, a seasoned 30-year-old center-back, has been grappling with limited first-team opportunities and harsh criticism following England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland, where he inadvertently scored an own goal. Kane, who knows Maguire well through their international endeavors, believes that his teammate has been unjustly “scapegoated” and subjected to “unnecessary scrutiny.”
In a statement that underscores Maguire’s value to the England squad, Kane affirmed, “He has been one of England’s best defenders over recent times and in England’s history.” Unfortunately, due to injury, Maguire won’t be on the pitch when Bayern Munich faces Manchester United on Wednesday.
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, didn’t mince words either, calling the criticism aimed at Maguire “a joke.” The incident saw Maguire taunted by the Scottish fans when he inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net. While Maguire acknowledges that he can handle banter from fans, Michail Antonio, the West Ham United striker, has argued that Maguire’s humanity is being overshadowed by the scrutiny. Maguire’s mother, Zoe, has also chimed in, expressing her concerns about the relentless abuse her son has endured, highlighting how it extends beyond the realm of football.
Before the much-anticipated clash at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, Kane took a moment to stand by Maguire’s side, saying, “I think H has come under some unnecessary scrutiny. He has probably been scapegoated a bit. He is a really good friend of mine, a great guy, and a really hard-working professional. It is part of our game now, you are scrutinized all over social media. But, knowing him, all he will want to do is work harder, to improve and get better, and stay focused.”
In addition to defending his teammate, Kane also issued a word of caution ahead of the Bayern vs. United showdown. While Manchester United has faced a rocky start to their Premier League campaign, losing three of their first five matches, Kane warned against underestimating them. He explained, “They are looking for a big response, and we need to be careful of that. We are at home and want to dictate the game, to play the way we want to – but they have some threats as well who we have to be careful of.”
As the football world eagerly anticipates this high-stakes clash, it’s heartening to see Harry Kane stand by his teammate, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, unity and support are invaluable assets on and off the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Team Unity
Q: What led to Harry Maguire facing criticism and ridicule in the recent England vs. Scotland match?
A: Harry Maguire faced criticism and ridicule in the England vs. Scotland match due to an unfortunate own goal he scored during the game, which led to him being mocked by the Scottish fans.
Q: How has England captain Harry Kane supported Harry Maguire in the face of criticism?
A: Harry Kane has come to the defense of his teammate Harry Maguire by stating that Maguire has been unjustly “scapegoated” and subjected to “unnecessary scrutiny.” Kane emphasized Maguire’s value as one of England’s best defenders in recent times.
Q: What did England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, say about the criticism aimed at Harry Maguire?
A: Gareth Southgate called the criticism directed at Harry Maguire “a joke” and expressed his support for the player.
Q: How has Harry Maguire’s family, particularly his mother, reacted to the criticism he received?
A: Harry Maguire’s mother, Zoe, expressed concerns about the relentless abuse her son has endured, highlighting that it goes beyond the realm of football. She believes that Maguire’s humanity is being overshadowed by the scrutiny.
Q: What warning did Harry Kane give ahead of the Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United match?
A: Harry Kane warned that despite Manchester United’s recent struggles in the Premier League, they are looking for a strong response. He cautioned against underestimating United and emphasized the need to be cautious of their threats.
Q: How did Harry Kane describe Harry Maguire as a person and a professional?
A: Harry Kane described Harry Maguire as a great guy and a hard-working professional who is a good friend of his. He highlighted Maguire’s dedication to improving and staying focused despite the challenges he has faced.
More about Team Unity
- Harry Maguire’s own goal against Scotland – BBC Sport coverage of the incident that led to criticism of Harry Maguire.
- Gareth Southgate’s comments on Harry Maguire – Information on the England manager’s response to the criticism of Maguire.
- Zoe Maguire’s concerns – Details about Harry Maguire’s mother, Zoe, expressing her concerns about the abuse directed at her son.
- Harry Kane’s warning about Manchester United – Insights into Harry Kane’s warning regarding the potential threat posed by Manchester United in the upcoming match.
- Harry Kane’s support for Harry Maguire – Harry Kane’s statements defending Harry Maguire against unfair scrutiny.
4 comments
kane’s got maguire’s back, thats what u wanna see, unity in the team!
Even tho we’re strugglin, Kane’s right, can’t underestimate United. #GGMU
Maguire copped way too much hate for that goal, glad kane’s speakin out!
Respect to Kane for callin out the social media scrutiny. It’s brutal out there.