Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale hits back at Harry Maguire criticism

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale insists Harry Maguire remains one of England’s best defenders after his own goal in the 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday evening.

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Gareth Southgate’s side sealed their victory at Hampden Park with goals from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Maguire, meanwhile, replaced Marc Guehi at half time and in the 67th minute guided Andy Robertson’s low cross past Ramsdale to give Scotland a lifeline.

The former Manchester United captain has faced calls to be axed from Southgate’s squad due to his lack of playing time at club level, however, Ramsdaleis adamant that he is still one of England’s best options in defence.

‘I can sympathise with him in a way because I’ve been at the other end of the Premier League fighting to stay up, been relegated twice,’ Ramsdale said when asked about Maguire after England’s win.

‘When you’re in a period where crowds, pundits or fans, you’re under the microscope. Every little thing is analysed and detailed.

‘If he was playing week in, week out, or if this noise wasn’t around and he scored an own goal it probably would have been brushed under the carpet.
e’s tried to do the right thing, clear it, and it’s gone in. It’s unfortunate.

‘But at the minute, because of his situation, people are over-hyping [saying], ‘he shouldn’t be playing, he shouldn’t be here’. And Harry Maguire, as we’ve seen over the past few years with England is one of the best defenders we’ve got.

‘So strong mentally, got a great group of people around him, him and his family, and he knows his qualities. He’s always a threat in the box for set pieces, he knows he can defend, he knows he’s a leader.

‘I love playing with him. Tonight was one of them unfortunate things which it goes in the back of the net, on another day it goes out for a throw or a corner.’

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