Recently retired England stalwart Kyle Walker has named three players he would have picked for the World Cup who were omitted by Thomas Tuchel, including two Manchester United players.
The 2026 World Cup will kick off in over a week’s time, and Manchester United will have a strong representation.
Several players were unlucky to miss out, such as England duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. That means both players will get the entire summer off to prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
It remains to be seen if Tuchel will suffer as a result of overlooking Maguire and Shaw. Their experience at major competitions with England would have been valuable, especially among the youngest members of the Three Lions squad.
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Kyle Walker bemoans Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw omissions
Former Man City defender Kyle Walker has represented England on the international stage 96 times.
After accepting that he wouldn’t be part of Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup, Walker quit international football in March.
Walker has now told The Sun that Morgan Gibbs-White, Maguire and Shaw were unlucky to miss out on Tuchel’s squad.
The Burnley star said: “I probably would have taken Morgan Gibbs-White. He’s been fantastic for Forest.
“I come back to the defence. I do think there’s a lot there that have probably not played too great or who are carrying injuries that, can you completely rely on for the stretch of the tournament?
“That’s where I probably question some of them, but I’m not the manager.
“A fit Reece James is the best right-back in the world, for me. But can he (stay fit)?
“I think (John Stones) is a tremendous player. John’s problem is keeping fit.
“Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have probably had the best seasons for Manchester United in a long time and are now not at the tournament.
“I do think Luke Shaw, for me, should have been on the plane and I do think Harry Maguire should have been on the plane.”
There will always be debate over England squad selections, but it was a huge surprise for Maguire, who finished the season strongly for United along with Shaw.
Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford are the only United players in the squad, although the latter is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Kyle Walker believes Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw should be in the England squad for the World Cup
- Walker quit international football in March
- Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford are the only United players in the squad
Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad ❌🦁 did he deserve a spot on the plane?
Maguire has admitted he is "shocked and gutted". What are your thoughts on Tuchel's decision?😳
Kyle Walker’s record against Man Utd
Walker has played against United 31 times throughout his career.
The former England international represented Aston Villa, Tottenham, Man City, and Burnley in games against the Reds.
He was on the winning side 14 times, drawing four and losing 13.
Burnley were relegated this past season, so it remains to be seen if Walker will have many more games against United as he comes to the end of his career.
Walker is under contract at Burnley until 2027.
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