Struggling Harry Maguire should visit a psychologist to boost his confidence, according to Gary Neville.

The Manchester United club captain Maguire, 29, is unable to get into the Red Devils side due to his poor form. But Gareth Southgate ignored the calls for the £85 million defender to be left out and started him against Germany at Wembley on Tuesday.

Maguire was booed by sections of the home crowd then gifted the away side their opening goal by passing the ball to Jamal Musiala and then chopping him down in the box. The ex-Leicester man was also at fault for the second as he was caught out of possession and position high up the pitch as Germany countered.

Maguire, who was spotted limping after the 3-3 Nations League draw, took to social media to apologise for his “mistakes”. Despite his error-strewn performance, Maguire still has the backing of Neville – but was encouraged to get external professional help like he did.

The Manchester United legend told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’ve been there myself. I gave away two really bad goals against Vasco de Gama in a World Club Championships in 2000, then six months later went on to have a horrible Euros tournament for England in Belgium and Holland.

“My pain lasted for about eight months in football terms. I was poor, lost my confidence, didn’t want the ball and didn’t show for things. When I lost my confidence, I went and saw a psychologist to help me through those moments. I did go and see my doctor at Manchester United. I did go and get a psychologist and get help. You do need external help at times.”

Neville is also backing Maguire to turn up and deliver when it matters most in Qatar. England begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 and the Sky Sports pundit wants Maguire in the starting XI.

He added, “Harry is going through a difficult moment. I felt for him. But he’s a good solid character, he’s got a good family and people around him at Manchester United who will try and help him. It’s a tough period for Harry, there’s no getting away from that. But there’s nothing you can do other than show up, try your best and not give in.”

He added, “At some point, his form will return because he has been an excellent player for United at times and England. He has to go to the World Cup. England haven’t got a massive pool of centre-backs for a start. Harry’s done very well for England and Gareth Southgate.”

• The Sun report