Former Tottenham and West Ham boss Harry Redknapp has leapt to the defence of under-fire defender Harry Maguire. 

The Manchester United captain was at fault for two goals in England's 3-3 draw against Germany in the Nations League on Monday.

It came after the out-of-form defender lost his place in the United team under new boss Erik ten Hag.

Legendary manager Harry Redknapp has defended 'proper defender' Harry Maguire

But Redknapp said Maguire was still pivotal to England. 

Writing in the Sun, Redknapp said: 'Well, it might not be the popular view right now but here’s a thing… if I was picking the side to face Iran on November 21, Harry would be in it, for sure.

'You don’t need me to say he’s had a rough time of things lately. Maguire’s such a straight guy, he’d tell you that himself.'

Maguire conceded possession then brought down Jamal Musiala to concede the penalty from which Ilkay Gundogan fired Germany ahead before losing the ball upfield in the lead-up to Kai Havertz's second. 

Redknapp said: 'Yes, he’s made a few ricks although getting as much grief as he is doesn’t make it any easier.'

He went on to add: 'In the big games — and they don’t come any bigger than the World Cup — you need a big presence, and he’s certainly that. On the pitch and in the dressing room.

'Fair enough, he wasn’t great against Germany but he never let England down in Russia and if he gets the chance, I’m sure he won’t in Qatar either.'