Harry Maguire was once again under the spotlight as England and Germany drew 3-3 in their final Nations League game at Wembley.
While England’s relegation to League B was already confirmed, this was the last game before the World Cup and needed a morale boosting win.
For majority of the game, it was the same story for Gareth Southgate’s side. After a unconvincing first half, Germany took the lead through a penalty from Ilkay Gundogan in the 52nd minute, followed by a lovely finish from Kai Havertz.
Kai Havertz! 🎯
That is spectacular! 😍
🏴 0-2 🇩🇪#ENGGER | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/IWVmLG8Zki— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 26, 2022
England looked down and out, with no wins in their Nations League Campaign, another defeat was on the horizon for Gareth Southgate’s side.
However, the introduction of Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka gave England a needed boost, and they found themselves level through two quickfire goals from Luke Shaw and Mount.
READ HERE: Southgate Booed By England Fans After Defeat And Nations League
When Harry Kane smashed in a penalty after Jude Bellingham was brought down, it looked like Southgate’s side fortunes had turned.
Just as they had their hopes up, Nick Pope spilled Serge Gnabry's shot to give Havertz a tap in to rescue a draw for Germany.
Harry Maguire Mistakes
Despite losing his place for Manchester United, Southgate has kept his faith in Harry Maguire, picked ahead of AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori, but it unfortunately backfired for him tonight.
Harry Maguire was at fault for Germany’s two first goals, giving the ball away to Jamal Musiala before bringing down for a penalty. He also gave the ball away in the build up for Havertz’s first goal.
Speaking on Virgin Media after the game, Richard Dunne claimed his lack of game time for Manchester United contributed to Harry Maguire’s errors.
"It all comes from sitting on the bench for too long and being called up to games at this level."
Richard Dunne on Harry Maguire tonight. #ENGGER | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/ESqyZFmytQ— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 26, 2022
“He’s having a rough time at the moment. When you’re not playing the first thing that starts to go is your fast feet, he gives the ball away and he gets completely flat footed.
It all comes from sitting on the bench for too long and being called up to games at this sort of level, it’s so difficult.
He’s not himself any favours tonight.”
Damien Delaney noted the amount of abuse Maguire was likely to face now.
"Your heart does sink because you think the amount of abuse this guy is going to get over the next few days."
Damien Delaney on Harry Maguire's role in Germany's goals tonight.#ENGGER | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/b8ulZbW7HK— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 26, 2022
Last week Maguire said criticism of him was just about 'clicks'.
"I am working hard on the training pitch to make sure I am ready for when my opportunity comes. That is all what I can do to try and help the team.
"I am not concentrating on anybody else and what people are saying, I think if people can make a story about me, I am Manchester United captain, it is going to make big news.
So that is the reason they do it, they like the clicks and things like that, but I went into the Euros after an eight-week injury, and did not play one game, and got into the team of the tournament.
"In terms of rustiness, and things like that, I am sure that won't happen."
Unfortunately, Maguire let himself down here again tonight at Wembley. His place in the England team will remain a major talking point right to Qatar.
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