Harry Kane has defended ‘scapegoat’ Harry Maguire, saying the Man United player is facing ‘unnecessary scrutiny’ – while the Bayern Munich star insists the England teammate is ‘one of our best defenders ever’.
- Harry Maguire’s place in the England squad is increasingly under scrutiny
- Harry Kane could face him in the Champions League in Munich on Wednesday
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Harry Kane has pledged his support to his England teammate Harry Maguire as the defender is once again under intense scrutiny.
Maguire has been one of Gareth Southgate’s most consistent players in his England squad since taking over the national team, although minutes have dried up at Manchester United of late.
Despite a lack of playing time, Maguire has been a central figure in each of England’s last three international tournament squads, reaching one final (Euro 2020), one semi-final (2018 World Cup) and one quarter-final (2022 World Cup).
After his latest high-profile mistake – an own goal against Scotland after coming on as a substitute in the Three Lions’ 3-1 win – calls for Maguire not to be recalled have only grown louder.
As the England captain faced the media ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Man United, Kane was asked about the treatment of his international team-mate and “friend” Maguire.
England captain Harry Maguire offered his support to teammate Harry Maguire on Tuesday
The Manchester United defender’s place in the England team has come under intense scrutiny
The former United captain has had no game time at Old Trafford since his armband was removed
“I think H has been subjected to really unnecessary scrutiny and has probably been a bit of a scapegoat in terms of the way the team has been doing recently,” the England captain said.
“He’s a really good friend of mine.”
“From an English perspective, being one of our best defenders in our country’s history in the England jersey is part of football, but knowing him, he just wants to try to improve.”
“As a national team, we are fully behind him.”
Kane may face the struggling Maguire on Wednesday when the Red Devils travel to Bavaria for their Champions League group stage clash.
Kane himself was close to joining Man United this summer before joining the Bundesliga giants for £100m.
Mail Sport’s Manchester United Confidential revealed that the player would be willing to move to the Red Devils next summer once his Tottenham contract expires had he received assurances about the Premier League team’s interest.
With his contract in north London expiring in the summer of 2024, a move occurred this summer that ultimately saw Spurs realize that losing such a player on a free transfer would be worse in the long term than parting ways with him sooner than necessary .
Maguire was also close to a move in the summer when West Ham agreed a £30million transfer fee with Man United for the defender, but the deal fell through after the player decided to stay at Old Trafford.