Rio Ferdinand gives advice to Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire after latest England gaffe

Rio Ferdinand has urged Harry Maguire to be ‘mentally strong’ to deal with his current situation for both club and country after making another high-profile error for England in their 3-3 draw with Germany.

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The Manchester United skipper has lost his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI this season but retains the faith of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who picked the centre-back against both Italy and Germany.

But Maguire was once again in the spotlight on Monday night, gifting Germany their opening goal after a calamitous few seconds at the start of the second half.

The 29-year-old passed the ball straight to Jamal Musiala on the edge of his own box and then hacked down the Bayern Munich youngster in the area, with the referee awarding a spot-kick after consulting VAR.

Maguire also lost possession high up the pitch before Germany’s second goal, though there was little anyone could do about Kai Havertz’s brilliant finish.

With the likes of Fikayo Tomori not making the matchday squad, and Marc Guehi not even called up for the latest round of internationals, Maguire’s place in the side continues to be questioned – particularly after another high-profile error.

With the United captain not getting a regular run of games for his club to play himself back into form, Ferdinand is massively sympathetic towards his situation and feels Maguire will need to use all his mental toughness to get through to the World Cup in November.

‘I feel for Harry, every mistake is being punished and scrutinised,’ wrote Ferdinand on Twitter after Maguire conceded the penalty. ‘It comes with the territory though.

‘He needs to be strong mentally to get through this! Playing with no games at this level always