England boss Gareth Southgate was left blindsided by David Beckham before Australia win

Maguire revealed: "I actually spoke with David about three weeks ago, after the game [against Scotland].

"He got in touch with me so it was really nice of him and I really appreciated that.

"It meant everything. I've spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy.

"It shows how classy he is to reach out to me and to message me. It was something I really appreciate. It was touching really.

"He reminded me of the career I've had to date and the big moments I've had in my career.

"I think when you're going through tough moments you've got to go through past experiences and past memories and where you've gone in your career and what you've been through.

"Every career is so up and down, especially when you reach what I've reached, in terms of being the captain of the biggest club in the world for three and a half years.

"He's been in that position and knows what it's like."

And Southgate said before the win that he hadn't been aware of Beckham's actions - but was delighted to hear the news.

"In terms of David Beckham, I wasn't aware," he said.

"But I could see from Harry's comments how much it meant to him.

"David's obviously played for Manchester United, he's played for England, he knows the world Harry is living in.

"It will have meant the world to him for that sort of support.

"He's a very strong character but nonetheless he's a human being and I'm sure a call like that would have meant a big amount to him."

Maguire didn't feature as England dug in to beat Australia 1-0 at Wembley on Friday night.

Ollie Watkins was the hero for the Three Lions, with the Aston Villa star continuing his excellent start to the season.

And Southgate, who rotated his side, praised those who stepped up for the contest.

“We made a lot of changes, that made it really difficult or the players,” he said.

“It’s tough playing international when you haven't got a lot of caps behind you.

“I gave them a really tough challenge and Australia were good, they were athletic and well organised. So I’m pleased for the win after putting them in the position.

“There were some positives, we know we can play better and it was tough for the players but you need to give players the opportunity on this stage.”

He continued: “In some positions we have huge depth and in others we haven't.

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“We have to constantly keep looking. We have an under-21 team who are playing very well and we need that competition for places and of course there are some senior players who are injured.

“But the young players who have come in now have a lot of experience as well, Declan Rice I think has 40 caps now.

“We have to embrace it. Four or five years ago we were not quite at that level.

“Now the belief is there, there's no more experiences the players need to go through with us or their clubs, we have Champions League winners, Premier League winners and we have to embrace that."

England are next in action against Italy at Wembley on Tuesday night.