Harry Maguire has revealed that David Beckham phoned him to offer support after the defender was jeered during England’s 3-1 win over Scotland last month.
Maguire received a difficult reception during the friendly win at Hampden Park, with the centre-back scoring an own goal after coming on as a substitute and seeing every touch ironically cheered.
It continued a challenging period for the 30-year-old, who lost his place in the Manchester United side last season and was removed as club captain during the summer.
Maguire has faced intense criticism over the last two seasons and has revealed how former England captain Beckham made a phone call to offer counsel last month.
Beckham was subject of abusive backlash after being sent off during England’s 1998 World Cup exit against Argentina, before bouncing back to captain the Three Lions to the next two tournaments.
“I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago, after the game,” Maguire said at a press conference ahead of England’s friendly with Australia on Friday.
“He got in touch with me so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that.
“It meant everything. I’ve spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy.
“It shows how classy he is to reach out to me and to message me. It was something I really appreciate. It was touching really.
“He reminded me of the career I’ve had to date and the big moments I’ve had in my career.
“I think when you’re going through tough moments you’ve got to go through past experiences and past memories and where you’ve gone in your career and what you’ve been through.
“Every career is so up and down, especially when you reach what I’ve reached, in terms of being the captain of the biggest club in the world for three and a half years. He’s been in that position and knows what it’s like.”
