Wayne Rooney has reacted to Luke Shaw’s omission from the England squad, insisting it’s ‘strange’ the full-back hasn’t been picked.
It comes after Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from camp due to a calf injury, which saw Trevoh Chalobah called upon to make up the numbers.
England don’t kick off their campaign until tonight, when they take on Croatia in a 9pm kick-off.
Why Luke Shaw’s England omission is perplexing
Fans, particularly those of Manchester United, were surprised to see Chalobah receive the call-up over Shaw.
The full-back has just overseen a career-first by starting every single Premier League fixture of 2025/2026, and was pivotal to United’s upturn in form and eventual Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick.
🚨 Pep Guardiola: “Luke Shaw is one of my favorite players”.@BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/0nrb2cvGWs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2026
Chalobah, a natural centre-back, endured a tumultuous term with Chelsea, but perhaps even more surprisingly, has only one Three Lions cap to his name in comparison to Shaw’s 34.
United’s No.23 has also represented England at four major tournaments already (two World Cups and two Euros), and has overseen near impeccable form in his last three when he’s actually featured prominently.
From Shaw’s perspective, he really could not have done anything more to earn a place. Had Gareth Southgate still been in charge, you’d imagine both the 30-year-old and Harry Maguire would’ve been some of the first names on his list.
🗣️ "He's been written off many times at Manchester United"
Ashley Young believes there is still more to come from Luke Shaw pic.twitter.com/pQ9Y58THfZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 1, 2026
What did Rooney have to say about Shaw’s World Cup absence?
Reacting to Thomas Tuchel’s decision on Tuesday, Rooney said on his BBC Sport podcast (as cited by the Metro): “It’s a bit strange. I would have liked to have seen Luke Shaw. And then Djed Spence maybe being cover for Reece James, and Luke Shaw come in.
“I’m sure Thomas Tuchel has kept contact with players to stay available, and I’m sure he [Chalobah] was one of those who were available.”
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