Harry Maguire gives England ‘the best chance of winning’ says Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate has backed Harry Maguire to bounce back from his England meltdown.
Maguire was left red faced after conceding a penalty that allowed Germany to storm into a 2-0 lead at Wembley on Monday night in the Nations League.
The Three Lions battled back to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw and spare Maguire's blushes.
READ MORE: Eric Cantona still uses old Nokia phone most people disposed of decades ago
But his mistake made a mockery of Southgate's decision to keep faith with the defender, despite the fact he has been axed by Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Southgate has come under huge pressure to drop Maguire and leave him out of his squad for this winter's World Cup in Qatar. Maguire's performance against the Germans will add more fuel to the fire.
But Southgate is convinced the 29-year-old is made of stern stuff and has the bottle to battle back from his latest blow. Southgate said: "I know everybody says he's important to me – but he's important to us! It's us. It's not me.
"Why do we pick him? Because he's one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning. So really we should all be wanting a Harry Maguire that's playing regularly and with confidence.
"That applies to quite a few players, but he's the one that everything lands on, which must be a tough space for him really. But he's showing tremendous character.
"I think he has got the character to get over this because he's a boy that's been from Sheffield United, to Hull City. He's not one where everything has been smooth.
Should Maguire be axed by Man Utd and England? Let us know in the comments section
"Sometimes you get lads who, in the early part of their career, haven't had to handle adversity and when it hits them, it's harder to cope with.
"He's like most of us really, in that he's had lots of hurdles – and that shapes your character."
Southgate, meanwhile, has held talks with England outcast Trent Alexander-Arnold and told him he's down the pecking order when it comes to being selected.
The Liverpool ace didn't get on against Italy and was left out of the squad altogether for the Germany game.
Southgate added: "The other night (in Milan), we didn't need the left back cover. Against Germany we did because of the way we went with the team so we needed Ben Chilwell on the bench and we had Kieran (Trippier) who, at the moment, I feel his all round game is ahead (of Alexander-Arnold).
"I've had long conversations with all of them, been very clear with them about where they stand and what they need to improve upon, so they're very clear on where they sit."
READ NEXT:
Cristiano Ronaldo thought ex-Chelsea player who ended up in prison was better than him
Jadon Sancho plays FIFA 23 over watching England after Gareth Southgate snub
Lisandro Martinez 'doesn't care' about criticism as 5ft 9in CB wins over Man Utd fans
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's £4m supercars as striker hits Milan fashion show in slick Porsche
Last England games in charge for managers as Gareth Southgate battles on
Source: Read Full Article