Harry Maguire reveals David Beckham conversation after England abuse episode: ‘It meant everything’

Harry Maguire has revealed that David Beckham called him to show his support after his terrible performance against Scotland last month.

Maguire, who came on as a half-time substitute, was mercilessly jeered and taunted by Scotland fans at Hampden Park. Another difficult evening for the Manchester United centre-back got worse when he scored an own goal in the 3-1 win over England.

Beckham knows what it’s like to be the target of abuse as a footballer. A new Netflix documentary shows how he and his family were targeted when he was sent off while playing for England against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup – the lowest point of his career.

Maguire, who is preparing for England’s friendly against Australia on Friday and next week’s European Championship qualifier against Italy, says the United legend reminded him of what he has achieved in a touching phone call.

“I actually spoke to David about three weeks ago after the Scotland game and he contacted me,” Maguire said. “It meant everything.

“Throughout my career I have said that David Beckham was someone I admired and looked up to when I was a boy.

“He was a huge role model for me when I was growing up. This shows how much class he has in dealing with me. That was something I really appreciated, it was really touching.

“I don’t want to get into too much of a conversation, but the most important thing he did was remind me of my career so far and the most important moments I’ve had.

“When you go through tough times, you have to go through past experiences and memories, how your career has developed and what you’ve been through.

“Every career has its ups and downs, especially when you achieve what I achieved in being captain of the biggest club in the world for three and a half years. He’s been in this situation and knows what it’s like.

“Of course, after watching the documentary, I couldn’t believe what he went through.

“In the documentary, Gary Neville talks about how resilient he is as a person. He was a huge role model for many footballers growing up, especially in my day.

Maguire’s mother was present among her son’s family at Hampden Park. She later described her son’s treatment as “disgraceful and completely unacceptable” in an impassioned social media post.

Maguire reiterated that he was able to cope with the abuse, but admitted that some of his family had stopped going to away matches since he became the target of ridicule.

“It’s the opposing team’s fans (booting), so we can’t control it,” he said. “I’m an experienced player now and I know how to block it, I know how to focus and get through games.

“It probably affects my family and friends more than it does me, especially when I’m playing in a match. I had so many great evenings and have so many great memories playing for my country and for my club.

“You play football to create memories: not only for yourself, but for my family and friends. Obviously, last year was a little bit difficult for them to enjoy the game like I had the previous eight or nine years of my career.

“I’m sure this will change. I will continue to work hard and fight for the place that is important to me and try to make things right. The tournaments they have participated in, they will probably say that these are the best times they have had and the best times of their lives. Of course, last year was a little more difficult for them.

“There were times when they probably weren’t at as many games as before, especially away games. But I’m sure they had some amazing moments throughout my career and will speak really highly of them.

“I am sure that in the future, with many years left in me, they will also experience amazing moments.”