Gareth Southgate valued Luke Shaw so much that he was given a space in the England squad for Euro 2024 despite heading into the tournament with an injury. Shaw had not played for Manchester United for three months, and he wasn’t fit enough to play for England in the group stage of the tournament.
Gareth Southgate valued Luke Shaw so much that he was given a space in the England squad for Euro 2024 despite heading into the tournament with an injury. Shaw had not played for Manchester United for three months, and he wasn’t fit enough to play for England in the group stage of the tournament.
Last week, Thomas Tuchel named an expanded 35-man squad for the March international break, the last opportunity for players to stake their claim before the World Cup, but Shaw was not included.
In 20 months, Shaw has gone from being included in England’s squad even when he had an injury, to failing to make the cut in an extended party. That is the consequence of the manager change.
Nico O’Reilly and Lewis Hall were the left-backs named by Tuchel. It will be tough for the England boss to make a decision between the pair at the World Cup this summer.
Nonetheless, Shaw will be disappointed not to have made the squad considering his excellent form for United, for who he has started every game in the Premier League this season.
Tuchel had previously not named a United player in an England squad since his appointment, but the German offered recalls to Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo in recognition of their club form.
Shaw has spoken warmly about his affinity for England and how much playing for his country means to him. His international career with England could be over. He has time to come to terms with that reality during the break, but it was good news for United that he was overlooked by Tuchel again.
Barring an unlikely U-turn from Tuchel or a few fitness concerns, Shaw will not play at the World Cup, which means he won’t be at risk of picking up an injury. He will also benefit from a full pre-season with United.
Just think back to 2024 when Shaw was called up by Southgate. United fans weren’t happy, given he’d missed the second half of the season leading up to the tournament, but their frustration increased when he picked up another issue upon his return.
When Euro 2024 concluded and Shaw reported for pre-season in Manchester, United confirmed he would miss the ‘opening few’ Premier League games, only the injury was worse than initially suggested.
The statement confirming Shaw’s injury was released in August, but he returned from injury against Ipswich Town at the end of November, making his first United appearance for 280 days. Just a game after that, Shaw suffered a new issue that kept him out until April.
“It’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forwards, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback,” he wrote.
“I’ve been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs, but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.”
Most sympathised with Shaw after such a long road to recovery, but others pointed fingers at him representing England when he was undercooked. Shaw might have picked up an injury in pre-season regardless of whether he played for England that summer, but the optics were not great.
You can argue that Tuchel has done United a favour by overlooking Shaw throughout his time as England boss, as it gives an injury-prone player a chance to recharge amid a demanding club schedule.
Shaw won’t be pleased at his latest snub, but United have a better chance of having an important player fit and available.
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