Having extended his contract as England manager until 2028, Thomas Tuchel has suggested three Manchester United stars could be set for an England recall.
Speaking to The Athletic, the England boss mentioned that Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw could be in contention to return to the national side. All three Manchester United players missed out on Tuchel’s last squad in November, but after a managerial change at Old Trafford, a big shake-up could be on the cards. This does, however, mean that three players who were picked previously will have to miss out.
Thomas Tuchel Set to Recall Manchester United Trio
Kobbie Mainoo ‘Back in the Picture’
England are scheduled to play a pair of friendly internationals on March 27 and 31 against Uruguay and Japan ahead of this summer’s World Cup. These games will be vital in assessing who is ready to get on the plane and make Tuchel’s final squad.
Speaking specifically about Kobbie Mainoo, Tuchel remarked, “It is great that he is back on the pitch”, when asked about the potential of Mainoo receiving an England recall.
He went on to say: “He is such a huge talent. He has already played a tournament from start to finish for England, so he is back in the picture”. The tournament in question was the European Championship in 2024, where Mainoo impressed many, featuring in six games and starting in the final.
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The reason Mainoo is back in contention is due to the managerial change at Manchester United. The 20-year-old midfielder was out of favour under Ruben Amorim and didn’t start a single league game under him this season. Since Michael Carrick became the interim boss at United, Mainoo has had a dramatic uptick in form, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in every game thus far.
His form suggests he’s more than deserving of an England recall. Mainoo will be looking to add to his 10 England caps and make his first England appearance since 2024.
Two United Defenders Could be Recalled
Two more players from Manchester United could receive an England recall for the March friendlies. When discussing Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, the England boss stated: “There are some players suddenly back in the picture, they play a back four now and play with a different style, which is a bit easier to translate to our structure at the moment. It’s good competition”.
Harry Maguire has suffered from injuries this season, missing a total of 10 games. With that being said, since Carrick has come into United, the former United captain has started every game alongside Lisandro Martinez in a traditional back four.
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Maguire has an impressive 64 caps for England and has represented his country at three international tournaments, only missing out on Euro 2024 through injury. Maguire is yet to be selected under Tuchel; however, a return to form for his club could see him back in the fold.
Luke Shaw, after missing 28 games last season through injury, has stayed fit all season. He has started every league game this season and provided much-needed stability in a defensive line that has seen a lot of change. Shaw offers experience, with 34 England caps to his name, as well as the experience of being dropped by England, only to make a triumphant return to the squad in 2021.
Both men are in good form and could give Tuchel a welcomed selection headache ahead of the World Cup.
Who Might Miss Out if the United Trio Are Recalled?
The big name who could miss out on England’s March squad is Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid star suffered a hamstring injury that is set to keep him on the sidelines for a number of weeks. Whilst Madrid are reportedly cautious regarding the injury, Tuchel said: “Personally, I am optimistic, but I am not sure.”
If Maguire and Shaw are to receive an England recall, two defenders from the November squad will have to make way.
Manchester City’s John Stones has been injured since December and only recently returned to action as an unused substitute against Fulham. Whether Stones can make a return to full fitness and make Tuchel’s squad for March is unclear.
Djed Spence received a surprising call-up under Tuchel for the September internationals; however, in an underperforming Tottenham team who have dissappointed defensively, he could miss out.
Nico O’Reilly is an interesting player for Tuchel. He made his England debut last year and has been a regular in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side this season. With that being said, having originally been deployed as a left back, in the past three games, the 20-year-old has played in the midfield. This provides Tuchel with yet another selection headache as to where, if anywhere, to play O’Reilly.
Whatever happens, we can trust that Tuchel will make the right choice, and Manchester United fans will hope that their trio will get the England recall they deserve.
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IMAGO / Newscom World
