Thomas Tuchel left Manchester United defensive duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw out of his England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
On Friday, Thomas Tuchel announced England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The only Manchester United players selected by Tuchel were Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford.
That means there was no room for Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw or Mason Mount. Tuchel’s selection will raise plenty of questions, but it should also help players like Maguire and Shaw make a big decision on their futures.
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?😳
Time for Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw to retire from international football
Out of the three United players overlooked by Tuchel, Maguire has every right to feel aggrieved.
Maguire has been a colossus at the back for United under Michael Carrick, and pundits would be put under pressure if asked to name Premier League centre-backs in better form over the past five months.
It could be argued that Shaw also deserved a place in the England squad. After enjoying a season free of injury setbacks, the 30-year-old has been a mainstay in United’s defence throughout the season.
Shaw has started every Premier League match for United this season and couldn’t have done much more to get into Tuchel’s squad.
All of this suggests that Tuchel is trying to build a defence with a different profile. The German coach prefers the likes of Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, and John Stones to Maguire.
The experienced United centre-back is fighting a losing battle against Tuchel, who wants a more dynamic, high-light back four.
Meanwhile, Shaw’s consistency was completely ignored by Tuchel in favour of youth, with 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly breaking into the team at left-back.
It would be a huge decision for both players to retire from international football, but the writing is on the wall.
Maguire and Shaw should focus on United and forget about England. After serving the Three Lions for a long time, they can preserve their greatness for club success.
They don’t need to chase validation from a coach whose tactical philosophy doesn’t naturally suit them.
And, with United returning to the Champions League, the demands on the squad are going to be tenfold next season.
How would you rank these ex-Man Utd players-turned-pundits from BEST to WORST?
Add Rooney to the mix, and pass judgement on this lot that NEVER stops talking. Top five?
Paul Scholes stepped away from England aged 29
United legend Paul Scholes sensationally retired from international football after representing England in Euro 2004.
The former midfielder was squeezed into the England team by Sven Goran Eriksson, who infamously prioritised Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in central midfield.
Scholes was 29 at the time and went on to win the double with United four years later.
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