The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and with it, the intense scrutiny of international call-ups. Among the players in the spotlight is Luke Shaw, a Manchester United full-back who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. Despite his recent return to fitness and consistent performances for United, Shaw's chances of a late England call-up remain uncertain.
Shaw's absence from the England squad during the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain has been a topic of discussion. In his place, young talents like Lewis Hall and Nico O'Reilly have emerged as strong options at left-back, while Myles Lewis-Skelly also impressed when given opportunities. However, Shaw's experience and quality, as evidenced by his smartly-taken goal against Nottingham Forest, could be a compelling argument for his inclusion.
United boss Carrick believes Shaw deserves an international recall, highlighting his consistency, performance, and experience. He praises Shaw's strengths and attributes, emphasizing his role in helping England reach two major tournament finals. Carrick's support for Shaw's call-up is a significant endorsement, especially given his influence within the team.
Another player in the running for a late call-up is Morgan Gibbs-White, who has enjoyed a superb season with Nottingham Forest. Gibbs-White's excellent first-time finish against Manchester United was his 14th Premier League goal of the campaign, and he has consistently contributed crucial goals and assists for Forest. With nine goals and two assists in all competitions since March, Gibbs-White is in exceptional form.
However, Gibbs-White's chances of making the 26-man squad are complicated by the fierce competition in his position. Players like Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer are among the options to play in the more advanced midfield role. Despite Gibbs-White's impressive goal-scoring record, scoring twice as many goals as his rivals in 2026, his exclusion from the past two England squads raises questions.
The challenge for Tuchel is to balance the need for experienced players like Shaw with the emergence of young talents like Gibbs-White. While Shaw's injury history may be a concern, his recent form and Carrick's endorsement could tip the scales in his favor. On the other hand, Gibbs-White's consistent performances and goal-scoring record make him a strong contender, despite the competition.
The 2026 World Cup call-ups will be a delicate balance between experience and youth, quality and consistency. As the tournament approaches, the pressure on Tuchel to make the right choices will intensify, leaving fans and experts alike eagerly awaiting the final squad selections.
