England v Ivory Coast: Harry Maguire still has the faith of Gareth Southgate

Harry Maguire has shown he can play at the highest level, Gareth Southgate has said but the England manager warned that players «can't be poor for a couple of years».

The Manchester United defender's club form has been criticised this season.

Maguire, 29, is set to start England's friendly against Ivory Coast.

«He has got us to a World Cup semi-final and a Euros final so there is doubt he is capable of playing at the highest level,» said Southgate.

In November, former United captain Roy Keane said Maguire's form had been «a disgrace».

The defender, who has won 41 caps for England, has faced more criticism in recent weeks, particularly for the way his team conceded goals against Burnley, Southampton, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.

After Manchester United lost to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 a fortnight ago, BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty said Maguire has been playing «with an air of desperation».

Southgate left Maguire on the bench for Saturday's friendly win over Switzerland, with the centre-back set to be restored to the starting XI against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

«He was very good for us in the autumn. His club is in a difficult moment — there are any number of reasons for that,» said Southgate.

«That doesn't mean players can be poor for couple of years and still find their way in.

»[Continuing to select players] also sometimes depends on competition for places.

«We have left some forward players out who haven't been in good form. But there are direct and experienced replacements for those players. It is a complicated decision.»