Luke Shaw deserves an England recall from Thomas Tuchel - and the chance to earn a place at the World Cup next summer
Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.
Luke Shaw of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League win over Liverpool
Luke Shaw of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League win over Liverpool
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Just over a decade ago Luke Shaw's parents sat in a Brazilian hotel toasting a moment to savour. The champagne corks popped to celebrate the fact their son had completed a £30m move from Southampton to Manchester United. In the process, Shaw had become the most expensive teenager in world football.
Paul and Joanna Shaw had travelled to Rio de Janeiro, because the left back was part of the England squad taking part in the 2014 World Cup. And with the iconic Copacabana beach staring back at them from across the road, the life felt perfect. Within a matter of weeks, England's assault had fallen completely flat. While in time, the sparkle from the privilege of being lured to Old Trafford, would disappear for Shaw.
Shaw has been through a lot during his time at United. He's now in his 12th season, and has outlasted countless managers.
But not before Louis Van Gaal 'fat shamed' him, or Jose Mourinho despaired at Shaw's immature approach to being a professional footballer at the highest level. An accusation which stemmed from Shaw deciding to claim he was late to training one time because he overslept - and his mother failed to wake him up.
He suffered a double leg break which almost ended his career, on top of numerous other serious injuries. It saw him start just 20 league games in a two year period.
Shaw admits himself he has witnessed some 'toxic' times at one of the world's biggest clubs. Much more lows than highs in recent years.
But somehow Shaw has survived all the madness and mayhem. So he could be forgiven for walking off the Anfield pitch with a smug grin on his face, having had a leading role in helping United inflict a crushing defeat on Liverpool.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw deserves an England recall
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United stars applaud the away fans at Anfield
United stars applaud the away fans at Anfield
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It was the first time since joining United he had been on the winning team there. Shaw looked like a kid on Christmas morning. Someone else who should be smiling is Thomas Tuchel.
Good left backs have been hard to find when it comes to England, as Tuchel has discovered since taking charge. Shaw hasn't played for the Three Lions since Euro 2024, when he was part of the squad which reached the final.
And it speaks volumes for what a frustrating career he's had at international level that Shaw is now 30, but has won just 34 caps since making his debut in 2014. Yet his performance at Anfield deserves some recognition from Tuchel.
Shaw's age means he isn't a long-term solution, but then again it doesn't matter, because Tuchel isn't in it for the long haul when it comes to managing England. The German will name his latest squad next month for two games, and Shaw should be in it. Because he can still produce the goods when he's fit and focused.
And if someone deserves some happier times at international level, let alone his club, it has to be Shaw.
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