Former England manager Sam Allardyce has strongly criticised Thomas Tuchel for omitting Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw from England's World Cup squad. Allardyce believes the German coach made a significant error in favouring Dan Burn and Djed Spence over the experienced internationals.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce argued that both Maguire and Shaw deserved selection based on their recent form and vast tournament experience. He pointed out that Shaw had played 38 games for Manchester United this season, demonstrating his fitness and versatility across defence.
"Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw should be in the England squad based on form and experience," Allardyce said. "Shaw, for the first time in a while, has played 38 games for Manchester United, and he plays equally as good at centre-half as he does at left back. He has a huge amount of international experience at tournament football, and he's fit as a fiddle."
Allardyce also defended Maguire, describing him as a key figure in United's defensive stability. "Harry Maguire was the backbone of the England side for a long time. I've watched him play since he got back into the Manchester United team and he's been one of the reasons the stability has been brought back to the club. Defensively they're now stable, and that's allowed them to win more games."
He added that Maguire's passing ability sets him apart: "He is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the best passers of the ball as a centre-half in the country. There's always a question mark about his pace, but Bobby Moore was very slow and read the game exceptionally well. If you put him alongside someone quick like Marc Guehi, you've got a decent combination there."
Allardyce concluded that Maguire is a better choice than Dan Burn, who has struggled at Newcastle this season. "I'm not being unfair here, but I'd say he's a better choice than Dan Burn, who's had a difficult time at Newcastle this year."
