Harry Maguire, a defender for Manchester United, has been defended by Arsenal legend Paul Merson following this week's criticism and jeering of the player.

Merson maintained that despite scoring an own goal against Scotland, Maguire has never let England down in his most recent Sky Sports column.

Every time Maguire touched the ball during England's 3-1 friendly victory over Scotland earlier this week, the Hampden Park home crowd booed him.

Merson, who once played for Leicester City, has since defended the former star, calling him a top athlete.

He wrote: “Harry Maguire’s a top player, playing at a really high level and playing for his country. He’s getting abuse from people who are not fit to lace his boots, if we are being honest.

“At the time, I jumped on him a bit when he went to Manchester United, but I really respect him as a player and what he has done, particularly at the international level. He’s never let England or Gareth Southgate down.

“Against Scotland, he scored an own goal, and, of course, he would have liked to have avoided that, but that is just his luck at the moment. Every little error is scrutinized for days.”