Former English football manager Harry Redknapp has put his weight behind underfire Harry Maguire. Redknapp believes Gareth Southgate should keep Maguire in the starting XI in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Maguire hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent past, which has kept him out of the starting XI for Manchester United. However, Southgate had backed the defender despite his lack of game time for his club.

Maguire also made a couple of mistakes in the UEFA Nations League clash against Germany, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Thus, the Three Lions were relegated as they failed to secure a single win in their group.

However, Redknapp feels Maguire always put his body on the line and he is a proper defender for the national team.

In his column for the Sun, Redknapp wrote, ”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.”

He added: ”Yes, he’s made a few ricks although getting as much grief as he is doesn’t make it any easier. But Harry is a really decent lad and the one thing he won’t do is shy away from it all. He’s also a strong enough character — and good enough player — to come through it.”

In fact, Redknapp admitted that Maguire might not be a livewire on the pitch but urged Southgate to use him alongside John Stones and Kyle Walker or Eric Dier.

”He will never be the quickest but he’s what I call a “proper” defender, like Steve Bruce. Throws himself into challenges, never hides, blocks everything, body on the line every time.” 

He concluded: ”I’d have him in the middle of a back three with John Stones and Kyle Walker or Eric Dier either side. They are quick enough to deal with the full-back positions.”

England will begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21.