England fans have made their stance on Harry Maguire clear with a chant dedicated to the Three Lions defender.
Gareth Southgate’s team secured a 3-1 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first international fixture. While players like Jude Bellingham shone, Harry Maguire endured a forgettable night, inadvertently diverting Andy Robertson’s low-driven cross into his own net shortly after replacing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Maguire also faced ironic jeers from spectators in the stadium, prompting Southgate to denounce the treatment as a “joke” during an impassioned speech.
However, England fans displayed unwavering support for the 30-year-old after the match by singing the iconic ‘vodka and jager chant’ as the players approached to acknowledge the fans. You can watch the footage below.
Harry Maguire getting backed by the England fans after the win away in Scotland last night.
Great to see. 👏pic.twitter.com/5UOLtGfk8E
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) September 13, 2023
Maguire would also seem to have gotten over his own-goal, as he took to social media to aim a cheeky dig at Scotland after the win.
Southgate stood by the defender after the game, admitting he felt “livid” about some of the jibes thrown at Maguire recently.
“He’s just come out and spoken to the media, which I think shows the resilience and the character of him,” the England boss told Channel 4.
“We’re now in a situation where, because of people in our own country, the opposition think they can have fun with him. What’s that about?
“He’s been an incredible player for England in one of the most successful teams we’ve had – critical for what we’ve been doing.
“We allow him to be open to that? It’s a joke; an absolute joke. It makes me livid.”
He added: “Thankfully he’s got the support of the dressing room and the people behind him. I thought the England fans in the stadium tonight were absolutely brilliant.
“I’ve no problem with the Scotland fans – they’re having fun. But what stirs that up is people in our own country. Other players will think: ‘Is that what awaits us?’
“Great credit to him that he managed to show the composure with the ball, keep the ball and put that moment behind him.”