
Criticism has not affected Harry Maguire, says England team-mate Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale praised Harry Maguire for his continued “outstanding” England displays as the under-fire defender blocks out unrelenting criticism and scrutiny. The world’s most expensive defender was named in the Euros team of the tournament in 2021, but game time and form at Manchester United have dropped off since then. Gareth Southgate has stuck by Maguire and brought him on at half-time in Tuesday’s 3-1 friendly win over Scotland, during which he was mocked mercilessly by the Hampden Park crowd before scoring an own goal. Furious Southgate believes the reaction was as a result of wider “ridiculous” criticism of the defender, which he called “a joke” and said was “beyond anything I’ve ever seen”. England fans backed Maguire and chanted his name in Glasgow, with team-mates like goalkeeper Ramsdale also offering support to the oft-criticised centre-back. “Harry Maguire has had criticism for the past 18 months, two years,” he said. “It hasn’t affected him. “His performances for England have been nigh on outstanding, that’s why he keeps getting picked and played. Simple as that. “I don’t think a few whistles and groans from the fans are going to change his mindset. “He had 45 minutes in a game where I thought he played well, kept the ball for us and one unfortunate own goal, if you want to call it that, and people are going to start talking about him and I don’t think it’s needed.” His performances for England have been nigh on outstanding, that's why he keeps getting picked and played. Simple as that Aaron Ramsdale on Harry Maguire Ramsdale said Maguire was “superb when he came on” and had no issues with his “really unfortunate” own goal. “People will say he’s come on and scored an own goal, but if he has any doubt in his mind, I want my defender to try to clear it,” the Arsenal goalkeeper said. “It’s a cross-shot, he’s tried to deal with it and eight times out of 10 it goes behind for a corner or he clears it. “Every time he touched the ball the crowd got up and made noises and he dealt with it extremely well, played some lovely passes. “I thought he accompanied Lewis (Dunk) and rest of the back four really well. Yeah, I’d want him to do that again 10 times over.” Ramsdale won just his fourth England cap on Tuesday evening and was grateful for Maguire then, just as he has been since making his debut behind him in November 2021. “He talks you through the game,” he said. “I remember that from my first cap. “It was San Marino and obviously we won 10-0, but he talked me through the whole game, calmed me down at times and he did the same (against Scotland). “So, it’s a real dream to play with him and, as I said, it’s just an unfortunate goal that people are going to highlight and it doesn’t need to be that way.” But Ramsdale knows that everything is pored over in minute detail with England, whether it is Maguire’s selection, Phil Foden’s role or Southgate’s approach. The team may also be under the microscope, but Ramsdale says that has helped to cultivate a special mentality within the group. “You’re playing for England,” he said. “It’s the most scrutinised team in the world, I personally think. “We’ve got so many good players, a pool of players, and everyone will have a different opinion on who should be playing and who shouldn’t be playing. “I think that’s what makes us so strong as a group, the fact that we can brush things off and use the noise as outside noise and listen to ourselves.” Put to Ramsdale that is easier said than done, he said: “Exactly, but two years ago we were playing in a European final and then we went to the World Cup and could have done a bit better in different circumstances and played against a good team in France. “We’re so close to qualifying again and this group has been together so long and we’ve got such a great connection. “Like you said, it’s easier said than done, but it’s one of the top qualities this group has, that it sticks together and block out any noise that we don’t want to hear.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘Top-level’ England are the benchmark for improving Scotland – Lewis Ferguson Football rumours: Martin Odegaard tight lipped about Arsenal contract extension On this day in 2007: McLaren fined £49.2m and stripped of points over ‘spygate’
2023-09-13 19:26

Bobby Charlton sharing his love of football after 1999 Champions League final resurfaces
Footage of Bobby Charlton sharing his love for football has resurfaced following his death at the age of 86. The likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer led tributes on social media for the England and Manchester United legend after the news was announced by his family on Saturday (October 21). The clip showed Charlton outside Old Trafford, looking back at the dramatic Champions League final of 1999. United were losing 1-0 as the game went past 90 minutes, with Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær scoring in added time to win the match. “We were a goal down with two minutes to go. I thought, ‘if we can just get the ball into the box…" Charlton said. “You can call it blind faith… we’ll win this still. I was convinced that we could win.” He then talked about goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel going up for a corner, which threw Bayern off. Charlton then went into great detail recalling the first goal, recalling how the ball fell to Ryan Giggs who put a ball into the box which fell to Sheringham. “I remember apologising to some people in front of me for jumping over them,” he said, remembering the celebrations. He then recalled the second goal, saying: “As the ball hits the net, for me it’s like the Earth stood still. I thought, ‘this is what paradise is all about’.” Charlton added: “Suddenly, the world is great again. I thought, ‘there is nothing ever going to be better than this’.” The legendary England footballer's family released a statement on Saturday saying: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. "He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him. "We would request that the family's privacy be respected at this time." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings
2023-10-22 00:26

Sony Michel, Georgia legends reach out to Nick Chubb after brutal injury
Georgia Bulldogs legends extended their support for Nick Chubb on social media after the Browns star suffered an apparently catastrophic injury.
2023-09-19 11:29

Sarina Wiegman: How the Dutchwoman turned England into a winning 'machine'
While success was always a possibility for this talented group of footballers, nobody could have imagined what was to come under Sarina Wiegman's leadership.
2023-08-19 22:24

WWE superstar Bray Wyatt tragically dies from heart attack aged 36
The world of wrestling has paid tribute after WWE star Bray Wyatt died at the age of 36 following a reported heart attack. The news was announced in an official statement from WWE as well as a post from WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H. Triple H tweeted: “Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda - also known as Bray Wyatt - unexpectedly passed earlier today. “Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.” Wyatt had not taken to the ring since January, having won against LA Knight in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble. Previous reports stated that he was preparing to return to professional wrestling. The reports also claimed that he was working with WWE on mapping a return to action, with the institution taking precautions in order to safeguard his health. According to wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com, a Covid-19 infection had taken a toll on his pre-existing heart issues and the wrestler died from a heart attack. Writing on X/Twitter, Sapp said: “I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues. There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. “Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.” AEW star Matt Hardy, Wyatt's former tag partner shared a tribute, writing: “Absolutely shattered to learn that my friend, Windham Rotunda, has passed away. It's devastating to think he left us at only 36 years young. My condolences go out to his family, wife & children. I'm so sorry, my compeer. Miss you already.” Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson also shared a message, writing: “I'm heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt's passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe. “Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy world of pro wrestling. Still processing losing the goat, Terry Funk yesterday and now Bray today.” He added: “My love, light, strength & mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time. “As always, 'thank you for the house' #ohana.” WWE said in a statement: “WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36. “Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining Superstar of his generation and accomplished many feats in WWE, including becoming WWE Champion in 2017. “From his leadership of The Wyatt Family alongside Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman to his enthralling time as 'The Fiend,' Wyatt embarked on an incredible career and saw several iconic rivalries with Superstars such as John Cena, Randy Orton and The Undertaker. “WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda's family, friends and fans.” Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-25 16:46

Stephen A. Smith Excitedly Celebrates Martha Stewart, Ciara, and Kim Kardashian's Swimsuit Issue Covers
Stephen A. Smith is happy for Martha Stewart and Elon Musk's mom for getting SI Swim covers like Ciara and Kim Kardashian.
2023-05-19 00:50

Lane Kiffin thinks Nick Saban demoted Alabama DC Kevin Steele
Lane Kiffin is preparing for a very different defensive game plan from Alabama in Week 3.
2023-09-18 23:28

Stephanie Beatriz of 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' to serve as Indy 500 grand marshal
Award-winning actress Stephanie Beatriz will serve as the grand marshal for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 later this month
2023-05-18 21:46

Ethiopia's Lamecha Girma sets new men's 3,000m steeplechase world record
Ethiopia's Lamecha Girma smashed a 19-year-old world record in the men's 3,000m steeplechase at the Diamond League meeting...
2023-06-10 05:28

Girona hold Real Sociedad to open door for Villarreal
Girona held Real Sociedad to a 2-2 draw on Saturday in La Liga, giving Villarreal a sliver of hope that they can...
2023-05-13 22:19

The 25 best attacking midfielders in world football - ranked
The best attacking midfielders in world football.
2023-09-12 23:21

Northwestern fires coach Pat Fitzgerald after hazing allegations surface with football team
Northwestern has fired coach Pat Fitzgerald amid a hazing scandal that called into question his leadership of the program and damaged the university’s reputation after it mishandled its response to the allegations
2023-07-11 10:16
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