Gareth Southgate has slammed a section of England fans for booing Harry Maguire, labelling their actions "a joke".
A vocal minority of supporters jeered the Manchester United captain, 29, ahead of England's 3-0 victory against Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening. Maguire has endured a tough season for his club but is a reliable figure in Southgate's defence.
The former Leicester and Hull ace helped the Three Lions reach the final of Euro 2020 - becoming a popular figure among supporters last summer - and was also a key part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia four years ago.
Maguire responded to England fans by producing a solid performance at Wembley, keeping a clean sheet against Ivory Coast. Those jeers turned to cheers mid-way through the first half and a section of supporters were heard singing Maguire's name.
When asked about those booing Maguire, Southgate said: "I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute joke. What he's done for us, the way he's performed for England has been phenomenal. I don't get it. We're either all in this together or we're not.
"He's in an England shirt, not only should you support a player in an England shirt regardless, but when he's played at the level he has and put in the performances for us that he has, it should be total commitment behind him. I don't get that at all.
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"For his performance, pretty faultless really, he stepped out from the back well, he was involved in the second as well. We're a team, we're totally united, we recognise everyone has difficult moments, but he's a top player and he'll come through it."
When asked if they were real England fans, Southgate said: "Well, they are real England fans, and I think some are influenced by whatever, I don't know whether it's social media, whether it's players that played previously who are influencing opinion... the club situation is very difficult, but he's in an England shirt.
"I remember decades ago a couple of players being booed in their England shirts and it's never been acceptable. I've never got it. Why would it make someone play better? Fans should always get behind the team."
England's 3-0 win on Tuesday evening completes a perfect week for the Three Lions following their 2-1 victory against Switzerland on Tuesday evening.
On England's performance, Southgate added: "I thought the mentality at the start was really good. Of course the red card changes the game which was a shame in terms of the test we wanted. I thought Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling were very bright on the wings.
"They weren't happy to be coming off! But they have so much football coming up. Jude Bellingham had a really good game. I was very pleased to see him. Tyrick Mitchell has dipped his toes into international football and done really well."
