Ferdinand warns Maguire scrutiny ‘comes with the territory’ after more struggles

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Rio Ferdinand has sent Harry Maguire a word of warning on social media after another tough night for the Manchester United star in the England backline.

It has been a tough season for the centre-half, who has been dropped from the Red Devils' starting XI in favour of new signing Lisandro Martinez. However, Gareth Southgate still believes in the defender and started him in both Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.

But his faith was not repaid on Monday night when Maguire first gave the ball away to Jamal Musiala before being bamboozled by some scintillating skill and fouling the Bayern Munich man in the box.

READ MORE: Five things Southgate learned as England draw with Germany in last game before World Cup

It led to Ilkay Gundogan scoring from the penalty spot as the 29-year-old suffered yet another knock to his confidence. And it got worse when he was caught high up the pitch in possession as Germany led a lightning-fast counter-attack that saw Kai Havertz score and double the lead at Wembley.

Criticism piled in on social media but one voice that would give Maguire some much-needed hope came from former United centre-back Ferdinand.

He tweeted: "I feel for Harry…. every mistake being punished & scrutinised – comes with the territory though. Needs to be strong mentally to get through this! Playing with no games at this level always leaves u open."

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While England went down by two goals, they showed resilience to come back after scoring three times in 12 minutes. Luke Shaw netted in the 71st minute before Mason Mount, on for Phil Foden, grabbed the equaliser.

Harry Kane struck from the penalty spot after Jude Bellingham was fouled in the box with the help of VAR to go two behind Wayne Rooney for England's highest-ever goalscorer. But a mistake from Nick Pope saw Havertz net his second of the match.

Nevertheless, in England's last match before their World Cup opener against Iran, there were signs that the Three Lions can reverse their recent poor form and put in a good showing.

However, much will depend on whether Maguire can heed Ferdinand's advice or not with the beleaguered United star looking likely to retain his starting spot in Qatar.

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  • Harry Maguire
  • Rio Ferdinand
  • England Football Team

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