Harry Maguire absolved of England blame after being "given problem" by teammate

Michael Owen believes Harry Maguire was not at fault for Germany's goal during their 1-1 Nations League draw against England on Tuesday evening.

A late Harry Kane penalty spared England's blushes on a disappointing night for Gareth Southgate's side. Hosts Germany were the better team in Munich and took the lead through Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Jonas Hofmann's second-half strike.

England supporters have pointed the blame at Maguire for being out of position. They've also criticised goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his poor attempt at saving Hoffman's shot. Yet Owen believes the Manchester United skipper was not to blame for the error.

Former England international Owen has instead placed the blame on Declan Rice's shoulders. The former Ballon d'Or winner believes Rice was out of position, forcing Maguire to step forward and leave a huge hole in defence for Hofmann to take advantage of.

"I felt as though it was Declan Rice, he vacates his area and breaks the line," Owen told Channel 4. "I think he is in a good initial position when [Kai] Havertz comes into that area. But he [Rice] runs past Havertz and into an area, no mans land.

"He doesn’t even press the ball - and then that gives a problem to Harry Maguire. Does he now come out of that line and make a three? And he does, and there’s no pressure on the ball. Then all of a sudden there is a big gap."

Yet England women's international Jordan Hobbs was critical of Pickford's attempt at stopping the strike. "He [Hofmann] did this all night where he got the ball in the No10 pocket," Hobbs told Channel 4.

"And yes it is a good finish but if you see it from another angle, Pickford should do better as he is diving to one side before the ball has even got there."