Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has heaped praise on Harry Maguire following England’s 3-1 friendly win over Scotland on Tuesday night.
Maguire has been a mainstay in the Three Lions setup since 2017, and yesterday’s game was a rare occurrence that he started on the bench.
The Manchester United star replaced Marc Guehi at the half-time interval, and had a relatively good outing aside from his unfortunate own goal.
Speaking after the victory, Ramsdale said that the criticism over the past two years has not affected Maguire, who has been outstanding for England.
The 25-year-old added that the former United captain is unperturbed by fan reactions and it is a ‘real dream to play with him’ on the international stage.
He told Standard Sport: “Harry has had criticism for the past 18 months to two years. It hasn’t affected him. His performances for England have been outstanding, that’s why he keeps getting picked.”
“I don’t think a few whistles and groans from the fans are going to change his mindset. He had 45 minutes in a game where he played well.
“Kept the ball for us but one unfortunate own goal and people are going to start talking about him and I don’t think it’s needed.
“He talks you through the game, I remember that from my first cap. It was San Marino and we won 10-0 but he talked me through the whole game, calmed me down at times and he did the same last night.
“So it’s a real dream to play with him and it’s just an unfortunate goal that people are going to highlight and it doesn’t need to be that way.”
Maguire has had a tough 14 months at club level with the Red Devils. He is no longer an assured starter under manager Erik ten Hag.
The centre-back had the opportunity to join West Ham United in the summer transfer window, but decided to fight for his place.
In comparison, Maguire has been an undisputed starter under England boss Gareth Southgate. He has barely let his team down.
He made a rare error yesterday, but Southgate was left unimpressed with the reaction from Scotland fans as well as English pundits.
Judging by the overwhelming support from his manager and teammates, Maguire has no reason to worry about losing his national team spot.
