England manager Gareth Southgate has defended Harry Maguire from criticism about his club form.

Maguire, who was stripped of the Manchester United captaincy, is facing a tough decision about his career.

The England centre half must decide if he wants to spend another year as a substitute at United, or if he wants to move for regular football.

“We're not in a world where we're cuddling. It's tough world professional football," Southgate told talkSPORT.

“It doesn't baffle me as they have two top players in [Raphael] Varane and [Lisandro] Martinez there.

“You will always be challenged they will sign top players every year. If you're Man United you want good backup, you get injuries, got Champions League, want to push for the Premier League."