Harry Kane insists Harry Maguire has the "full support" of the England dressing room and urges England fans to follow suit after the Manchester United skipper was booed at Wembley.
Jeers were heard when Maguire's name was read out at Wembley ahead of England's 3-0 victory against Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening.
The centre-back, 29, has struggled for his club this season and been criticised by those in the media and supporters.
But Maguire is a consistent performer at international level, helping England reach the final of Euro 2020 last summer and the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia four years ago. He's won 42 senior caps since making his debut against Lithuania in 2017.
England captain Kane has certainly been impressed with Maguire's performances at international level and called for England fans to show their support for the defender.
"We've worked hard to rebuild our connection with England fans in the last few years, so to hear Harry Maguire booed at Wembley before kick-off was just not right," tweeted Kane.
"The fact that he’s been brilliant on the pitch and given us all so many great memories makes it even harder to understand. He doesn’t deserve that reception. He’s got full support in the changing room and should have the same from every England fan."
Were England fans right to boo Harry Maguire? Let us know comments below!
Discussing the jeers, England manager Gareth 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.
"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."
Southgate added: "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 midfielder Declan Rice - who's been linked with a move to Man Utd - continued: "Total embarrassment from whoever booed tonight. Harry Maguire has been incredible every single time he’s put on the England shirt. Absolute nonsense now it’s becoming. Back your own players. Especially with a Major tournament coming up."
