Jermain Defoe has admitted that Harry Maguire is making far too many errors at the moment after the centre-back had another torrid night during England's 3-3 draw against Germany on Monday.
The Manchester United captain has struggled for form in recent months and has been dropped by Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, but Gareth Southgate has continued to stand by Maguire at international level.
The 29-year-old did not repay that faith at Wembley, though, as he gave away a penalty for Germany's first goal when he tripped Jamal Musiala, and was then dispossessed in the build-up to their second strike. Defoe was unable to defend Maguire's mistakes as he assessed the goals afterwards.
'You look at the goals and they were avoidable,' Defoe said on Channel 4.
'Silly mistakes, you give the ball away and then you give away a penalty. Individual mistakes, and for some reason, it always seems to be him.'
Maguire's inclusion in Southgate's starting XI for England's games against Italy and Germany over the past three days has been one of the main talking points of the international break.
The defender's name was booed when it was read out ahead of kick-off on Monday, with some fans clearly feeling that he shouldn't be in the team based on his current level of performance.
He was also jeered during the game, especially when things started to go wrong for England at the back in the second half.
Defoe is aware of the criticism that Maguire has faced, and is rooting for him to get back to his best.
He has called for Maguire to try to play with more freedom so that he can return to the form that saw him shine at the World Cup in 2018, and the Euros last year, when he was named in the Team of the Tournament.
'It's a funny one because like I said at the top of the show, there's been a lot of negativity around him and you want him to play well because he's done well in tournaments for England,' Defoe added.
'We've seen him in the tournaments, he's done well to be honest. You just want him to take the handbrake off and just play.'
Cjaysports
0
This Guy Maguire and his family must suffering over fan abuses. If i were him i would take a break from international football rebuild confidence and then return stronger
jubaer420
0
after performances like this .. English media and pundits will still defend him and slam ETH for benching him.
Spengz
0
since Southgate is keeping Maguire as first choice in the back line ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ must lose , cos there are players better than Maguire on the bench like B White or Mings sometimes but cos of that stupid mentality that he is a Man united player he will always start .
Ben white and Mings ๐๐๐
segxxzmichael
0
This guy doesn't deserve to play football ๐๐. #ErrorMaster
At all
zebaelmy
0
Fat hope reaching the final with Maguire regularly repeated mistakes.
nokdinpz
0
go Italy go Hungary๐ช
nokdinpz
0
Hahaha England n Germany Lost LOL๐๐
zebblpsu
2
Why does he hate Fikayo Tomori
Lukcklmruz
0
This Maguire issue, am still confused.
Homckln
0
Kingbobbyfemie20
1
So sorry for Maguire, he's socked with pressure already
darrenham
5
As a national coach... He need to be fair and level headed.... Yes a coach or player need to show loyalty but a winning football team needs player to be on form one can't be taking risks for world Cup.. Is clearly he is off form and why can't Southgate play other defenders who is of better form than Harry Maguire... Unless he is his nephew ๐๐คฃ
Nuabmnrtuz
0
since Southgate is keeping Maguire as first choice in the back line ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ must lose , cos there are players better than Maguire on the bench like B White or Mings sometimes but cos of that stupid mentality that he is a Man united player he will always start .
nxa I'm stupid and ure worse like ur brother Maguire with[5percent] speed always playing with his hands like rugby player
JoyNg
4
If you are reading this๐๐ฅ You're better than Harry Maguire
Nuabmnrtuz
2
since Southgate is keeping Maguire as first choice in the back line ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ must lose , cos there are players better than Maguire on the bench like B White or Mings sometimes but cos of that stupid mentality that he is a Man united player he will always start .
Nuyacdmrt
0
everything that goes with england that Maguire ?
phamouxxxguy
1
I was watching the match with one guy saying Maguire is a good defender...it doesn't tk lonv before he commit that foul.. I was like bro that ur brother MR.MAGUIRE[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Panja
0
Musiala made Maguire dance all over the pitch
Nuabmnrtuz
0
Hell na leave arsenal alone, can't you just mind your business and focus to Liverpool please
GunnArs
2
maguire be like: thanks to nick pope and his mistake so they donโt rip me apart. ๐
AlAzeem
3
This guy doesn't deserve to play football ๐๐. #ErrorMaster