Harry Maguire Receives Criticism More than Ever Seen before in Football

His selection, and place in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up, has been questioned after he was dropped earlier in the season by United.

"Harry is an amazing player, an amazing character," Shaw told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He's taken a lot of stick - probably more than I've ever seen before in football.

"He never hides away, he's always there. You can have people who can hide away and not want to be in the spotlight. He keeps putting himself in the spotlight, it shows the strength and character he's got.

"Everybody knows he's an unbelievable player. At the moment the confidence might not be there because it could feel like the whole world is against him.

"It's tough for him, but us as players and staff are all behind him because he's a very important player. It shows Gareth's trust because he's played in both games [this week] - and look at the Euros what he's done.

"People need to understand he's a big part of the England team and have to accept it."

Maguire's struggle for form for both club and country are not new - the 29-year-old was booed during England's friendly win over Ivory Coast in March after a difficult period with United.

The following month, police conducted a sweep of his house after he received a bomb threat.

Club captain Maguire was also booed during pre-season in Australia, and has made just three Premier League appearances this season.

But still, England boss Southgate has continued to put his faith in Maguire, though that loyalty has not been repaid in this week's Nations League matches.

After the Three Lions' defeat by Italy on Friday, a result that saw them relegated from their Nations League group, he was rated 3.87 out of 10 on the BBC Sport Player Rater.

That dropped to 2.58 after Germany draw at Wembley, a game before which Maguire's name received a smattering of boos though he had support from a much larger section of England fans prior to his costly mistakes.

Former England and United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted during the Germany match: "Feel for Harry… every mistake being punished and scrutinized - comes with the territory though.

"Needs to be strong mentally to get through this! Playing with no games at this level always leaves you open."