Manchester United are said to be left perplexed by England head coach Thomas Tuchel's continued decision to overlook defender Luke Shaw for national team selection. The experienced left-back has been a mainstay for the Red Devils this season but remains absent from the Three Lions setup.
Shaw's Consistent Form at Club Level
The 30-year-old has been a pivotal figure in United's improved Premier League campaign under manager Ruben Amorim. Shaw has started all 13 of United's top-flight matches so far in the 2025-26 season, a period which has seen the club climb to within four points of second place after a difficult previous term.
His commitment was further highlighted on Sunday, December 1, 2025, when he made his 300th appearance for the club in an impressive 2-1 away victory at Crystal Palace. Shaw, who has 34 England caps, last featured for his country in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain under former manager Gareth Southgate.
A Positional Shift Under Amorim
While traditionally a left-back, Shaw has adapted his role this season. He now operates more frequently as a left-sided central defender within Amorim's preferred back-three system. Despite this tactical evolution, sources at Old Trafford, as reported by The Sun, insist he should still be considered a viable left-back option for England and are baffled by his continued exclusion.
Amorim's Mixed Feelings on International Duty
United's head coach publicly backed his player for an England recall back in October. Amorim acknowledged the difficulty of Tuchel's selection decisions, given the depth of talent available, but stated plainly: "I think he deserves it."
However, the Portuguese coach also admitted to a selfish streak, adding: "I want him to go to the national team... But I also want Luke Shaw to train with me, recover with me, and be prepared for my game." He conceded that Shaw staying with United during international breaks ultimately benefits the club's preparation.
Tuchel's Left-Back Conundrum
The situation highlights a potential selection headache for the England manager as he builds towards the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly is currently viewed as the frontrunner for the starting left-back role.
Beyond him, options appear less settled. Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly has struggled for regular minutes, while alternatives include Newcastle United's Dan Burn and Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence. United are reportedly hopeful Shaw will force his way into the plans for next summer's tournament, not least because the club has proudly had a representative in every single England World Cup squad since 1958 – a run spanning 14 consecutive competitions.
