Luke Shaw Likely to Miss Out on England’s World Cup Squad Despite Strong Season
Luke Shaw is set to miss out on England’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup despite his strong end to the season with Manchester United.
According to BBC Sport, the Manchester United defender is not expected to make Thomas Tuchel’s final 26-man squad for the tournament in North America.
The news comes shortly after Harry Maguire confirmed his own omission from the squad through an emotional social media statement.
Maguire admitted he felt ‘shocked and gutted’ by the decision despite believing he could still play a major role for England this summer.
Now, another experienced Manchester United player appears set to miss out.
Shaw had initially been included in Tuchel’s provisional 55-man squad.
There had also been growing calls for his inclusion following his recent form.
The 30-year-old recently scored his fifth ever Manchester United goal in a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
He has become an important figure again at Old Trafford during the second half of the season.
The left-back has featured in every Premier League game under Michael Carrick since the former midfielder was appointed as interim boss in January.
Luke Shaw also played every game under Ruben Amorim earlier in the campaign before the Portuguese coach was dismissed midway through the season.
The England international additionally featured during Darren Fletcher’s one-game spell in temporary charge before Carrick’s arrival.
Manchester United’s improvement under Carrick helped the club secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Shaw played a consistent role throughout that run despite previous injury concerns earlier in his career.
BBC Sport reports that Newcastle United defender Dan Burn and Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly are both expected to be included ahead of Shaw.
England will officially announce their final World Cup squad on Friday.
Tuchel’s side begin their tournament campaign against Croatia on June 17 before facing Ghana and Panama in the group stage.
For Shaw, the omission would come as a major disappointment after forcing his way back into regular football during the second half of the season.