While Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo received an England call-up for the March international, there was no place for Luke Shaw. The snub may come as a blow for the experienced left-back, but United are the real beneficiaries.
Despite having previous seasons interrupted by injuries, Luke Shaw has been a mainstay in Manchester United’s defence this term, showing his versatility as a left-back and centre-back in a back three before Michael Carrick was appointed as interim head coach.
With 31 appearances in the Premier League, Shaw has played 2,628 minutes of football, which is considerably more than he managed across all competitions in the previous campaign (587).
United fans weren’t happy when Gareth Southgate called up Shaw for Euro 2024, given he’d missed the second half of the season due to injury. He missed the opening games of the forthcoming Premier League season as a result.
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Luke Shaw playing against Aston Villa
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Luke Shaw’s England snub is a positive for Man Utd
Last week, Thomas Tuchel called up two United players to represent England in the upcoming internationals. Maguire and Mainoo were the chosen ones, meaning they have a chance of making the World Cup squad this summer.
There is no room for Shaw after Tuchel opted for Nico O’Reilly and Lewis Hall as his left-back options for their friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan, but it’s not terrible news as far as United will be concerned.
Shaw has had a horrific time with injuries down the years, including a double-leg fracture in 2015. The 30-year-old will be disappointed that his 2026 World Cup dreams seem shattered, unless Tuchel is forced to make a late change, but surely it’s time for Shaw to prioritise his club career.
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That doesn’t change the fact that he has been a terrific servant to England, achieving 34 caps, with six of those appearances coming at World Cups.
However, Tuchel has done United a massive favour by overlooking Shaw since becoming England manager.
There’s no denying Shaw has been an injury-prone player throughout his career, which is why he can benefit from focusing on playing for the Red Devils rather than adding international football to his workload.
That has been the case this season. With no international football to worry about, Shaw has got back to performing consistently for United – regardless of who the manager is, having now proved himself under Ruben Amorim and Carrick, though his performance in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Friday night was far from impressive.
It would be a huge slap in the face if Shaw were to go to the World Cup this summer and pick up another injury, especially after having a good run of fitness this season. It should be noted that Shaw has also benefited from United having fewer fixtures after failing to qualify for Europe or the latter stages of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Hopefully, this means Shaw can kick on and finish the season strongly by ensuring he stays fit and United qualify for the Champions League. He can still support the Three Lions from afar.
Should Kobbie Mainoo be in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup?
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Kobbie Mainoo during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
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Man Utd need competition for Luke Shaw
It’s no secret that Shaw has lost yards of pace in recent years, which is undoubtedly due to the amount of injuries he has suffered throughout his career.
Diego Leon has yet to make his United debut, suggesting he is not yet at the required level. There is also a discussion to be had over whether Patrick Dorgu is better as a full-back or winger.
It’s proof that United are as stocked in the left-back department as many think.
That will likely become an issue with United set to compete in Europe next season.
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