Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale has come to the defence of his England teammate Harry Maguire, claiming that he’s ‘one of the best defenders we’ve got’ amid criticisms following his own-goal against Scotland on Tuesday.
Harry Maguire had already been on the receiving end of plenty of criticisms in the lead up to the international window, but after turning the ball into his own net against Scotland – the critics have only got louder.
Maguire was subbed on against the Scots for the second half, and scored an own-goal just 21 minutes into his cameo, but for Harry Kane to restore the two goal lead after 81 minutes – ensuring a victory at Hampden Park.
Fans and members of the media have called on Gareth Southgate to drop the Manchester United defender from the squad entirely, but the Three Lions manager, along with Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale, were quick to defend the 30-year-old.
Southgate labelled Maguire’s critics a ‘joke’, and revealed that the treatment of his defender ‘makes him livid’, whilst Ramsdale controversially claimed that he’s one of England’s ‘best defenders’.
READ MORE: Arteta Considering Dropping Ramsdale For Raya After The International Break
“I can sympathise with him in a way because I’ve been on the other end of the Premier League fighting to stay up and I’ve been relegated twice.” Ramsdale said in his post-match presser.
“When you’re in a period where crowds, pundits or fans, you know, you’re under the microscope and every little thing is analysed in detail.
“If he was playing week in and week out or this noise wasn’t around and he scored an own goal it will probably be brushed under the carpet.”
Ramsdale continued: “He’s tried to do the right thing, clear it and it’s gone in, it’s unfortunate. But at the minute because of the situation and people are overhyping he shouldn’t be playing and he shouldn’t be here.
“Harry Maguire, as we’ve seen over the past few years for England, is one of the best defenders we’ve got. So strong mentally, he’s got a great group of people around him and his family.
“He knows his qualities, he’s always a threat at set pieces, he knows he can defend, he knows he’s a leader and I love playing with him. Tonight was just one of those unfortunate things where it goes into the back of the net. On another day it goes out for a throw-in or a corner.”
🗣️ “He’s one of the 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 defenders we’ve got. He’s so strong mentally and he’s got a great group of people around him and he knows his qualities.”
Aaron Ramsdale has come to the defence of his England teammate Harry Maguire after he scored an own goal last night. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/45lFU8zKXv
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 13, 2023
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