FORMER England captain David Beckham has given his support to under-fire defender Harry Maguire.
Becks, 48, texted Maguire urging him to prove his doubters wrong after the Man Utd star’s own goal in the 3-1 friendly win against Scotland on Tuesday.
GettyHarry Maguire has been bombarded with criticism after he scored an own-goal in England’s 3-1 win over Scotland for the 150th anniversary match[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdDavid Beckham understands Harry’s situation after he endured heavy criticism following his sending off in the 1998 World Cup[/caption]
He told Maguire to ignore the trolls and praised him for the way he has handled months of ridicule and abuse.
Beckham himself endured heavy criticism after his sending off in the 1998 World Cup.
A source said: “Becks told Harry to keep his head up.
“He knows what it’s like to be targeted. He got through it and is certain Harry can do the same. Getting a message from someone like Becks meant the world to Harry.”
Despite 59 caps for England and starring in two World Cups, Maguire has been bombarded with hatred on social media.
He was sent a bomb threat in April last year.
After the Scotland game, England boss Gareth Southgate said he had “never known a player treated the way he is”.
Maguire’s mum Zoe said: “The level of negative and abusive comments my son is receiving is disgraceful.
“It’s totally unacceptable in any walk of life, never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country.”
Meanwhile her son has vowed to “handle the flak”.
He said: “I have been through a lot in the last couple of years.”