At a Glance
- Manchester United trio up for England returns
- Mainoo, Maguire and Shaw have impressed under Carrick
- Tuchel will name his squad for March’s international break
Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has revealed that England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to include at least one Manchester United player in his latest squad. Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw are all up for contention to return to international football.
The last time a United player played for the Three Lions came on 7 September, 2024. Maguire and Mainoo both featured in a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland but haven’t featured for their nation since.
Shaw’s last match was on 14 July, 2024, when the left-back played in England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final—a match in which Mainoo also featured.
Tuchel considering Man Utd recalls
Both Shaw and Maguire boast strong England CVs, combining for 97 caps and 10 goals. They both started the UEFA Euro 2020 final, which was played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shaw opened the scoring against Italy before Maguire converted England’s second penalty in the shootout, which they ultimately lost 3-2. The duo were two of the most important players during Gareth Southgate’s reign.
Mainoo, however, has had limited exposure on the international level, playing just 627 minutes across 10 games. He starred at Euro 2024, playing in the 2-1 loss to Spain in the final.
Tuchel will name his squad for upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies on Friday (March 20th) at 10 AM UK. His team face Uruguay on March 27th and Japan on March 31st.
All three to be called up?
Under Michael Carrick, all three have found form as Manchester United raise their level. Shaw has started every league game this season, while Mainoo and Maguire have forced their way back into the side.
Mainoo dropped down the pecking order during Ruben Amorim’s tenure and thus lost his place in the England team. But Carrick’s appointment has seen him return to the starting lineup and many expect him to be on the plane for the World Cup this summer.
That said, Maguire looks most likely to force his way back into Tuchel’s plans. The centre-back previously captained his nation and was named in the Team of the Tournament at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
Shaw’s potential return is slightly doubtful. Despite featuring in every league match for United this season, there are still concerns over his injury history and his ability to handle a schedule with a game every four days.
England must submit their 2026 World Cup squad to FIFA by 30 May, leaving the three Manchester United stars just 72 days to impress Tuchel and secure a spot on the plane.
