Luke Shaw believes Harry Maguire is abused more than anyone else he's met in football

Luke Shaw has come out swinging in defence of Harry Maguire following a tough international break.

Maguire struggled in England's 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday evening and his name was booed by the Wembley faithful prior to kick-off.

The centre back had a positive first half, but gave away a penalty after the break with a foul on Jamal Musiala in the area. Ilkay Gundogan stepped up to put the away side ahead and Maguire was again at fault for the second goal.

He was robbed of possession high up the pitch, which allowed Kai Havertz to finish off a lovely Germany move and double their lead.

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England fired back with three goals in 12 minutes from Shaw, Mason Mount and Harry Kane before Havertz's second of the game ensured the points were shared.

Shaw plays with Maguire at Manchester United and both men haven't started a Premier League game since August's 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

Since then, United have won four Premier League games in a row and Shaw admitted his teammate is in a 'tough period' right now.

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He told BBC Football Daily per The Mirror: "I will be honest, it is a tough period at the moment. Of course Harry is an amazing player, an amazing character. He has taken a lot of stick, probably more than I have ever seen before in football but he never hides away, he is always there.

"You can have people that can hide away and not want to be in the spotlight but he keeps putting himself in the spotlight and it shows the strength and character he has got because, come on, everyone knows that he is an unbelievable player."

Maguire helped the Three Lions reach the final of Euro 2020 and he was named in UEFA Team of the Tournament alongside Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling.

Shaw believes it won't be long before United captain Maguire shows his true quality once again.

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The left-back added: "At the moment the confidence might not be there because it might feel like the whole world is against him, it is tough for him but us as players, staff we are all behind him because he is a very important player and it shows Gareth's trust that he has played in both games.

"Look at the Euros and what he has done, people need to understand he is a big part of the England team and they have to accept it."

England captain Harry Kane claimed Maguire played the final 10 minutes against Germany with a hamstring injury.

United return to action against bitter rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

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