Arsenal legend Paul Merson has defended Manchester United defender Harry Maguire after the player faced criticism and jeering this week.
In his latest column for Sky Sports, Merson insisted that Maguire has never let England down, despite scoring an own goal against Scotland.
Maguire was jeered by the Hampden Park home crowd every time he touched the ball during England’s 3-1 friendly win over Scotland earlier this week.
However, Merson has now defended the former Leicester City star, describing him as a top player.
He wrote: “Harry Maguire’s a top player, playing at a really high level and playing for his country. He’s getting abuse from people not fit to lace his boots, if we are being honest.
“At the time, I jumped on him a bit when he went to Man Utd, but I really respect him as a player and what he has done, particularly at international level. He’s never let England or Gareth Southgate down.
“Against Scotland, he scored an own goal, and, of course, he would have liked to have avoided that, but that is just his luck at the moment. Every little error is scrutinised for days.”
