Harry Maguire leapt to the defence of England teammate Jordan Henderson after he was booed against Australia on Friday.
The former Liverpool stalwart captained the Three Lions during a friendly win at Wembley but was the subject of boos when he was replaced by Kalvin Phillips just after the hour mark.
Henderson has faced criticism for his decision to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq given his previous support for the LGBTQ+ community in football. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the Gulf state.
On a purely footballing level too, there are questions as to whether or not playing in the Saudi Pro League will provide adequate preparation to feature for England at the European Championships next summer.
Qualification was confirmed after a 3-1 win over Italy on Tuesday night and a midfield trio of Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham impressed.
Conor Gallagher, James Maddison and Trent Alexander-Arnold offer perhaps more exciting options in the middle of the park, while the likes of the in-form James Ward-Prowse have been overlooked in favour of Henderson.
Still, Gareth Southgate has stressed that booing a player of Henderson’s experience simply does not make sense and now Maguire has joined those defending the midfielder.
The Manchester United has also been the subject of abuse from England fans following some difficult performances at club level.
“Proper England fans don’t boo players,” he said.
“They don’t boo players who play for their country and dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them, the fans and their families.
“I know a lot of top England fans and they’re the England fans who’ve been with me ever since I made my debut. They’re right behind me and they’re right behind Jordan as well.
“You hear a lot of cheers, yeah a few jeers, but they’re not England fans.”
