Some experienced players are missing the 2026 World Cup, which is the case of Luke Shaw as the left back is not part of England. There are some important players missing the 2026 World Cup, with Luke Shaw among them as he was left out of England’s squad. Shaw is missing the competition because he was not called up by Thomas Tuchel. The manager surprised many people with some of his decisions, including leaving out the left back for reasons other than injury. This omission caught much attention because Shaw was part of Manchester United’s improvement that pushed them to third place in the Premier League after mediocre years. Even so, it was not enough to convince the manager. Shaw’s season with Manchester United Experience could be a huge factor for every team, which makes Shaw’s omission even more unexpected. The left back has featured regularly for England in the past few years under Gareth Southgate, even scoring in the Euro final lost to Italy on penalties. Tuchel left many important players out of the team (Richard Pelham/Getty Images) The manager’s preferred skill set apparently favors bigger players that may suit the system more favorably, which does not benefit a player with Shaw’s physical build. Shaw was an important piece for Michael Carrick after his January appointment, which brought the club back on track. The left back left behind some injury issues from the past and played all 38 Premier League matches, showing that this was a technical choice rather than a fitness one. The left backs Tuchel preferred taller left backs for this competition. The left back role may not be secured between a rising player like Nico O’Reilly, a strong attacking option, and a right-footed physical fullback like Djed Spence, while Tino Livramento was the versatile option who could play on either side before an injury ruled him out.
This competition may miss a huge talent as the 2026 World Cup is missing Trent Alexander-Arnold from England. When a player changes from one club to another the expectation is to take a step forward. While going from Liverpool to Real Madrid could be seen as such, the 2026 World Cup omission of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s by England may be the other way. Alexander-Arnold is missing the competition because Thomas Tuchel did not call him up. The manager surprised many when he left the right back out of the squad, opting for more defensive players in that position. That stylistic gap became even more evident after Tuchel had to replace the injured full-back Tino Livramento after a training-ground issue. His choice was Trevoh Chalobah, a natural centre-back, which makes it clear that Alexander-Arnold does not fit his system. Alexander-Arnold’s season with Real Madrid The major move that took Alexander-Arnold from the club where he spent his entire career to Real Madrid came with different conditions, including a 10-million-euro fee in June, when his new club decided to bring him in early for the Club World Cup before his contract expired. Chalobah was called up by Tuchel to replace Livramento (George Wood/Getty Images) In the end, it was a chaotic spell for the right back, who can also play in midfield thanks to his ability to create chances, with injuries affecting him throughout his first year. Alexander-Arnold’s numbers at Real Madrid matched the disappointing season the club had as they failed to win a trophy. The right back played 1,800 minutes in 30 matches across La Liga and the Champions League, without scoring a goal. The right backs Tuchel’s decision not to call up Alexander-Arnold, even after Livramento’s injury, suggests he does not see him as a strong fit for his system. Livramento was already ahead in the pecking order, with Reece James established as the starter for the manager. Even if he were unavailable, Djed Spence can also play at right back. Other players with experience in that role, while mainly centre-backs, include the recently called Chalobah, who will not be ready for the match against Croatia, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and John Stones.
