Harry Maguire has revealed the contents of a phone call he had with David Beckham.
The Manchester United defender has been called up to Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad, despite a shaky performance for the Three Lions against Scotland.
The 30-year-old came on in the second half of England's 3-1 win over Steve Clarke's side last month, only to score an own-goal.
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Meanwhile, every time Maguire got the ball, he was jeered by the Scotland fans on a miserable night for the former Red Devils captain.
However, Maguire confirmed reports that Beckham reached out to the Englishman after the game to offer some advice on how to handle abuse, and his words "meant everything".
"I actually spoke with David Beckham about three weeks ago, after the game," Maguire told reporters on Wednesday. "He got in touch with me so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that. It meant everything."
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“He reminded me of my career to date and the big moments I’ve had in my career. When you’re going through tough moments, you’ve got to think on past experiences. He’s been in that position and he knows what it’s like. I watched the documentary and I couldn’t believe how much he went through at the time.
Maguire continued: "I've spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy.
"Unfortunately, I didn’t end up on the right wing scoring and assisting as many goals as he has, but he was a big role model when I was growing up. 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.
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"I have had some huge plaudits over the years playing for my country. Probably the last year or so hasn't been like that but the previous five I was getting loads and loads of credit.
"That's football, that's the way it works. You don't just keep playing at the top and not get no criticism. That doesn't happen unless you are the best in the world and that's probably Messi and Ronaldo, and even they still get criticised as well.
"A career is a long path. Many ups, many downs, it probably has been a little blip and I am trying to be back to where I was."
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Topics: David Beckham, Manchester United, Harry Maguire, Football, Premier League