The English national team put in a decent performance in the friendly win against the Ivory Coast. Before the game there were ugly scenes – to the annoyance of the coach of the “Three Lions”.
England coach Gareth Southgate reacted with complete incomprehension when his own fans whistled at defender Harry Maguire. “I thought the reception was a joke. A total joke,” Southgate said indignantly at the behavior of some fans before and during the friendly against Ivory Coast, which England won 3-0 on Tuesday night. “I don’t get it. What he’s done for us is phenomenal,” said Southgate. He has absolutely no understanding for the behavior. “How that’s supposed to help anyone, I don’t get it,” he said.
Boos on ball contacts
Ahead of the game, the tricky spell of inconsistent performances and unfitness for Maguire, who is at Manchester United, was a big topic in the English media. When his name was read out in the line-up of the European Championship finalists, there were just as many boos as when he first touched the ball. Maguire didn’t play badly and was involved in creating the opening two goals.
Teammate Jack Grealish also made comments after the game. “I think it’s ridiculous,” said the Manchester City pro. “Harry was incredible for this country at the World Cup, at the European Championship, outstanding. I think even tonight he was brilliant. It wasn’t nice to hear he was being booed and the whole team didn’t like it one bit.”
