England boss responds to criticism of Man Utd captain Harry Maguire

England boss Gareth Southgate has defended Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire against criticism from United legend Roy Keane who labelled his goal celebration for England as ’embarrassing’.

Maguire scored in England’s 5-0 victory over Albania on Friday and celebrated his goal by cupping his ears with his hands.

Former Manchester United captain Keane was unimpressed with the player’s style of goal celebration and reacted to it.

“He’s put his hands to his ears like he’s shutting the critics up, but I think that’s embarrassing,” Keane told ITV during half-time.

“He’s been a disgrace the last few months for Man United. He thinks because he’s scored there he’s going to shut his critics up? Embarrassing.”

However, England Boss Southgate has clamped down on the interpretation of the player’s celebration as he defended the centre-back in his post-match press conference.

“Is he a Hulk Hogan fan? I don’t know what the celebration was for,” Southgate said.

“He is a fabulous player, two months ago he was in the Euros team of the tournament.

“He has rushed back because he has a huge conscience to help his club. You get lots of players who hide in the treatment room but he has not done that. I massively respect him for that.

“You are always judged as a fully fit player, he understands that.

“I had a good chat with him, reminded him how important he is for us and his performance tonight was very good.”