Wayne Rooney was surprised by Thomas Tuchel's decision to overlook Luke Shaw when finalizing his England squad for the World Cup, calling the selection "a bit strange" after speaking to the BBC
Samuel Meade
14:32, 17 Jun 2026
Wayne Rooney has offered his opinion
Wayne Rooney has offered his opinion(Image: BBC Sport)
Wayne Rooney described Thomas Tuchel's decision to overlook Luke Shaw once more as England manager sought cover for the injured Tino Livramento as "a bit strange."
The Newcastle full-back's World Cup hopes ended before they started, forcing the Three Lions to find a replacement — with Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah getting the call. The versatile defender was selected ahead of several other candidates, including former Liverpool vice captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, who would've been a like-for-like replacement at right-back.
Shaw, a regular feature for England at past major tournaments who has both started in and scored during finals, was also among the alternatives. While injuries have plagued him at times, his quality when available is undeniable.
Chalobah has earned just a single England cap, appearing in a friendly against Senegal last year, and isn't anticipated to feature against Croatia on Wednesday evening. Nevertheless, Rooney believes Shaw deserved serious consideration.
The ex-England striker told the BBC: "It's a bit strange. I would have liked to have seen Luke Shaw. And then Djed Spence maybe being cover for Reece James and Luke Shaw come in.
"But I'm sure Thomas Tuchel has kept contact with players to stay available and I'm sure he [Chalobah] was one of those who was available."
Trent Alexander-Arnold will not play at the World Cup
Trent Alexander-Arnold will not play at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Several of Tuchel's picks have sparked debate. The German boss, managing England at a major tournament for the first time, chose not to include Alexander-Arnold.
The Real Madrid right-back has consistently been praised for his ability, though questions over his defensive capabilities have counted against him.
Harry Maguire was overlooked, with the center-back learning of his omission via FaceTime.
"It was quite an awkward call," he admitted.
"I received a text saying can I speak to you about 4pm. It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone's reactions. I said straightaway I was really disappointed."
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Tuchel faces a difficult choice on Wednesday, with John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi all vying for a place at the heart of defense.
Stones and Guehi have previously forged an effective partnership, while Konsa has enjoyed a remarkable season with Aston Villa.
Out wide, Reece James has long been regarded as one of England's finest when fully fit, while Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly has had a breakthrough campaign that has established him as arguably the premier left-back in the country.