Sam Allardice (72), a former England manager, criticized Thomas Tuchel (53) over the final England squad for the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) CONCACAF World Cup.
Allardice appeared on the No Typi Taffi Football podcast on the 27th (Korean time) to analyze Tuchel's England squad announcement, saying that considering experience and form, Manchester United (Man U) duo Harry Maguire (33) and Luke Shaw (31) should definitely have been included.
Tuchel recently announced a 26-man England squad. He said his selection prioritized team morale over individual player ability. But some decisions have drawn criticism.
Allardice said of Shaw, The season he played 38 matches for Man U. He also plays excellently as a center back as well as a left back, and added, Shaw has an enormous amount of international tournament experience. He is also in very good physical condition.
He continued, Shaw has proven his fitness, and considering what he has done before he is an enormous international talent, and said, I would definitely pick him over Djed Spence (26, Tottenham).
He also said of Maguire, He has long been the backbone of the national team, and I have watched him since he returned to Man U. He is one of the reasons the club regained stability. Defensively they are now settled, and that has allowed them to win more matches.
Allardice said, Maguire is one of the best passers among domestic center backs, adding, Speed is a pity. Bobby Moore was also very slow but read the game incredibly well. But next to a fast player like Marc Guehi (26, Manchester City) he becomes quite a good pairing.
Allardice said, Considering who else was included in the squad ahead of him, Maguire is the better option, and added with regret, I'm not being unfair, but I would say he is a better choice than Dan Burn (34), who had a difficult time at Newcastle United this year.
[OSEN]