Southgate continues to 'back' Maguire despite error-strewn display against Germany

England manager Gareth Southgate has said he will stay loyal to Harry Maguire despite another error-strewn display by the Manchester United captain on Monday evening.

Maguire retained his place in the starting line-up for the dead-rubber Nations League match against Germany at Wembley, having started the 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday which relegated England from the top tier of the competition.

Some fans booed when Maguire's name was announced before kick off, and those who were prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt would have been wavering by the end of a 3-3 draw after another unconvincing display.

Maguire has started just one of United's past six matches – a 1-0 Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad – but he remains in favour for his national team having played a key role in England reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final last summer.

But he was badly at fault as Germany took the lead early in the second half, giving the ball away to Jamal Musiala, then clumsily hacking him down to concede a penalty that Ilkay Gundogan converted past Nick Pope.

Maguire then lost the ball high up the pitch shortly afterwards, resulting in the counter-attack that ended with Kai Havertz making it 2-0 with a sublime finish.

England would fight back to lead 3-2 before Pope's error gifted Germany an equaliser, but not even a morale-boosting draw will deflect attention from the debate over Maguire as the World Cup fast approaches.

"I know everyone will focus on Harry, but there were some very important moments Harry delivered during the two matches," Southgate said in defence of the centre-back.

England manager Gareth Southgate has thrown his support behind Harry Maguire. Reuters

"That's always going to raise