Harry Maguire: Manchester United defender says David Beckham reached out to him after Scotland-England abuse

Harry Maguire says David Beckham contacted him after he was abused by Scotland fans during England’s 3-1 win at Hampden Park last month.

The defender was jeered by Scottish fans during the friendly, with his own goal another blow for a player whose struggles in recent seasons have seen him become a target of criticism.

Afterward, England boss Gareth Southgate said he was “furious” at the way Maguire’s reputation was attacked, calling his treatment over a prolonged period “an absolute joke”.

“I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago, after the Scotland game,” said Maguire, speaking at a press conference ahead of the Scotland’s October international matches. England against Australia and Italy.

“He reached out to me, which was really nice of him and I really appreciated that. It meant everything.

“I’ve spoken about David Beckham as someone I looked up to and looked up to when I was a young boy. He was a great role model when I was growing up and I think that shows how much he is chic to reach out to me.”.

Maguire spoke about NetflixThe newly released documentary series details Beckham’s life and career, with a particular focus on the intense negative attention he received following his red card against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.

“He’s been in this position and he knows what it’s like,” he continued. “I watched the documentary and couldn’t believe everything he had gone through at that time. In the documentary, Gary Neville talks about his resilience as a person and David explains a lot of how he coped that.

“He reminded me of the career I’ve had so far and the great moments I’ve had in my career. It was touching.

“When you’re going through tough times, you need to think about past experiences and memories; where you’ve been in your career and what you’ve been through.”

Maguire spoke publicly after the Scotland game, insisting he could handle the attention, and Sky Sports News reported last month that the central defender – who doesn’t read social media or newspapers – is mobilizing to block everything.

He reiterated that fact Tuesday, but said his concern was more about the impact of the criticism on his family and friends.

“I spoke about it right after the match, but playing for my country means absolutely everything to me. I have proven it over the years. I give my all on the pitch. They are the opposition fans, so this is not something we can control,” he said. said.

“I’m an experienced player now and I know how to block that and I know how to focus and get through matches. It probably affects my family and friends more than it actually affects me, especially when I’m playing in the game.

“I try to stay away from all that. You can’t stay away because your family and friends probably see things and read things; a lot more than me, of course.

“That’s football, that’s how it works. Over the course of a career you don’t keep playing at the top without receiving criticism – that only happens if you’re the best in the world – and it’s probably Ronaldo and Messi, although they always get criticized as well.

“With the way the game is played, especially for defenders and goalkeepers these days, every goal you concede is analyzed. It can be difficult at times, but you have to stay resilient and you know the next game is coming taking big steps and you I still have to prove myself.

“You play football to create memories, not just for me, but for my family and friends and last year was probably a bit difficult for them to enjoy the games the way they did over the years. eight or nine previous years of my career.

“I’m sure that will change. I’ll continue to work hard, fight for my place and try to make things right.”

With the next two international matches to be played at Wembley, Maguire praised the England fans for helping him through difficult times.

“I’ve been talking about the England fans since I started. They’ve been incredible to me,” he said.

“People always ask me how to get the confidence and belief to go out and play and do what I do and the England fans are a big part of that.

“When times were tough over the last year, they gave me that support, they gave me the confidence that I deserved to play. I can’t thank them enough.”