Gareth Southgate has officially confirmed his England World Cup squad this afternoon and there is good news for three Manchester United stars.
Harry Maguire has been a pivotal figure in Southgate’s plans since 2017 and there were no surprises that the United captain made the 26-man squad.
The central defender has hardly featured for United this term amid injuries and competition for places, but will have a key role to play for the Three Lions.
Similarly, Luke Shaw has responsibility on his shoulders after being picked for his second World Cup. He previously featured in the disastrous 2014 campaign.
Shaw was tremendous for the Three Lions at left wing-back en route to the 2020 Euro final where he also scored an early goal. He should be an assured starter.
Aside from the defensive pair, Marcus Rashford has been rewarded with a timely call-up. He last played for his country in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
It was a forgettable experience for Rashford, who came on as a last-minute substitute for the penalty shoot-out, only to hit the woodwork with his spotkick.
The United graduate has had a tremendous turnaround in fortunes under Erik ten Hag this term with seven goals and three assists in all competitions.
He will be hoping for better memories at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Dean Henderson and Jadon Sancho are among high-profile England stars at United that have failed to make the cut for the global tournament.
Henderson has had an impressive season on loan at Nottingham Forest with several stand-out displays, but Southgate has opted for just three keepers.
Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope are obviously ahead of him in the pecking order.
Sancho’s World Cup prospects looked good until the last international break, but things have not gone smooth for him ever since due to many factors.
His inconsistent performances saw him become an unused substitute under Ten Hag and he has been on the sidelines for recent games due to illness.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
