Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has emerged as a consistent presence despite a career hampered by injuries. He is the only player at the club to start all 24 Premier League matches this season, a remarkable feat given his injury history. In December, he celebrated a milestone of 300 appearances for United since joining from Southampton in 2014.
Injury Challenges and International Career
Over his decade-long international career with England, Shaw has earned just 34 caps, including his debut against Denmark in March 2014, and his last appearance at the Euro 2024 final against Italy. He has missed over 300 games for both club and country due to various injuries, which raises questions about what could have been if those setbacks hadn’t occurred. At 30 years old, he is currently enjoying one of his most productive seasons, having overcome injuries to maintain consistent playing time.
Potential for World Cup Recall
As England prepares for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the question remains: Will Luke Shaw’s form earn him a recall to the squad? England manager Thomas Tuchel has explored other options for the left-back position but may reconsider Shaw’s experience and reliability. With only two international friendlies scheduled before the squad announcement, Shaw’s continued performance will be crucial.
- Notable Left-Back Rivals:
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal) – Limited appearances
- Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City) – Inconsistent form
- Lewis Hall (Newcastle United) – Strong statistics, but team struggles
- Tino Livramento (Southampton) – Injury issues
- Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur) – Team form concerns
- Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) – Solid stats but overlooked
Shaw’s strong performance at club level, particularly under manager Ruben Amorim, has allowed him to shift into a role that reduces physical strain. He was once criticized after a poor performance against Manchester City but has since improved, returning to a more traditional left-back role that enhances his attacking capabilities.
Looking Ahead
Throughout his journey, Shaw has faced significant challenges, including missing major tournaments due to injury. He became the youngest player to participate in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and made a significant impact during the Euro 2020 final. Despite his proven capabilities, concerns remain about his fitness for another major tournament.
Though Tuchel has not yet included Shaw in his plans, the seasoned defender still has the opportunity to prove his worth. If he maintains his fitness and continues to perform well, there could still be a chance for him to play at a World Cup. For now, the focus is on maintaining form with Manchester United as they aim for Champions League qualification.
