Thomas Tuchel explains why Trevoh Chalobah was picked over Luke Shaw for England replacement

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Manchester United defender Luke Shaw was snubbed for an England call-up despite an injury to full-back Tino Livramento.

While Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were called up by Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 World Cup, there was surprise at omissions for Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.

Shaw started every Premier League match for United in 2025/26, but he was left out of the England squad.

Even after an injury to Tino Livramento was confirmed, Tuchel decided to call up Trevoh Chalobah as his replacement instead of Shaw.

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?😳

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Why Luke Shaw was overlooked for late England call-up

Shaw looked like an ideal replacement for Livramento given that the Newcastle star was a left-back option in this England squad.

However, Tuchel has now explained why he has called up Chalobah instead.

“He was a key player, and in good shape, and available for both sides for us as a full-back.

“We called Trevoh Chalobah because then we free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides.

“Djed Spence can also play as a full-back on both sides, so Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative and he gives us full coverage in the back four.”

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Harry Maguire may have ended his own England chances

Tuchel made it clear that he called up Chalobah as a centre-back option rather than searching for a full-back replacement like Shaw.

In that case, it begs the question why Harry Maguire was not considered given he has been a key player for England in previous tournaments.

READ MORE: Gary Lineker shares what he honestly thinks about Harry Maguire being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad

However, Maguire spoke out on his World Cup snub and admitted he was disappointed at Tuchel’s decision.

Maguire’s comments made it more difficult for Tuchel to U-turn and bring him into the squad. Had he not spoken out, perhaps the former United captain might be in the England squad this week after Livramento’s injury.