Maguire’s games against Manchester United were a hot topic in the accumulation of this international break and there was disapproval from sections of the public when his name was read before the start, with further ridicule for the first few touches of the ball. The defender clarified this with a structured performance, which included roles in England’s first two goals and his manager left no doubt that he believed the abuse was unacceptable. “I thought the reception was a joke,” Southgate said. “It’s an absolute joke. I do not understand it. What he has done for us is amazing. “Either we are all together in this or we are not. He is with the England jersey and not only should you support a player with the English jersey independently, but when you have played at the level he has and you have done the performance he has, it should be absolute dedication. “The team is completely united and we recognize that everyone has difficult moments and will overcome them. They are real fans of England and some are influenced, I do not know, by social media or by former players who influence opinion. It was never acceptable. Why will players play better? “The fans have to be behind their team.” Englishman Jack Grealish (second from left) says he asked the referee not to dismiss Serge Aurier (not shown) before halftime at Wembley. Photo: Dylan Martinez / Reuters Southgate also expressed concern that the reaction of the fans could have a wider effect. “Do not think that some of the other players would not see this reasoning: ‘I could be one day,’” he said. “That was one of the problems with playing for England. I do not really understand how this will benefit anyone. “ Jack Grealish, who scored England’s second goal for Raheem Sterling, echoed Southgate. “I think it’s ridiculous,” he said. “Harry was incredible for this country in the World Cup, the Euro, great. I think even tonight was brilliant. “It was not nice to hear the disapproval of Harry and the whole team did not like it at all.” Grealish also confirmed that he had asked referee Erik Lambrechts to use his common sense after showing a second yellow card to Serge Aurier five minutes before half time. The forward seemed to be talking to Lambrecht at the time and felt that, given the low stakes and the modesty of the attack, Aurier should have stayed. “You want a good game, 11 v 11, it’s not like it’s completely overwhelmed,” he said. “I think it killed the game a little bit. “I was just saying to the referee, ‘Come on, let him go, but I don’t think anyone has changed their mind.’ Southgate seemed to agree, calling the red card “a shame for us in terms of learning, but also for the fans as a spectacle.” In the match, Southgate was pleased with the performance. “I thought the mentality at the beginning was very good,” he said. “It was of course the red card that changed the game and it was a pity in terms of the test we wanted.”
