Even someone with Harry Maguire’s broad shoulders can do with support from nearest and dearest when it feels like the whole world is lined up to have a go.
It was no surprise England manager Gareth Southgate went into bat for his beleaguered defender after an own goal against Scotland last month produced new levels of ridicule and abuse.
More eye-catching was Zoe Maguire posting an understandably heartfelt message backing her son. ‘The level of negative and abusive comments which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable,’ she said.