Maguire is someone 'you want to go into battle with' as England defender praised

The 29-year-old Manchester United defender was at fault for Germany's opener in the 3-3 thrilling UEFA nations League clash at Wembley.

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Maguire's late challenge on Bayern Munich teenager Jamal Musiala in the penalty area resulted in a spot kick, which was comfortably dispatched by Manchester City's IIkay Gundogan.

In the lead-up to the second goal Maguire was dispossessed before Kai Havertz curled in a beautiful goal from the edge of the England box, although Maguire was robbed of the ball deep in the Germany half.

Luke Shaw netted his third international goal to make it 2-1, and Mason Mount scored England's second.

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Harry Kane later converted from the penalty spot, notching in goal number 51 in a Three Lions shirt, after Jude Bellingham was fouled by Nico Schlotterbeck.

England nearly secured the win, but a Leroy Sane shot late on was spilled by Nick Pope, and Kai Havertz pounced quickest to bundle the ball home.

Despite Maguire's miserable form continuing, former England international Pearce praised the out-of-form defender.

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"I think the kid [Harry Maguire] has got character," Pearce told talkSPORT post-match.

"He has been under the microscope a fair bit for the last calendar year, potentially, I don't know how long, I am not a social media buff.

"Still, he puts himself out there, and he keeps going, and he does not go under.

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"He has an injury late in the game, and he is at the halfway line going through a German player. Not to let his teammates down.

"Sometimes, they are the individuals you want to go to battle with."