Ruben Amorim Advocates for Luke Shaw’s England Return Amid Club Priorities

Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Sporting CP, has expressed his desire for Luke Shaw to regain his place in the England national team, while also acknowledging the importance of the defender’s fitness for Manchester United. Shaw has featured in every Premier League match this season without suffering any injuries, demonstrating his resilience on the pitch.

Despite a minor injury scare during the match against Brighton, Amorim clarified that Shaw was substituted due to a virus he had been battling in the days before the game. Although the 30-year-old faced challenges during the recent Manchester derby against Manchester City, his overall performances have been commendable, potentially paving the way for a recall to the England squad later this month.

National Team Selection Challenges

Shaw’s inclusion in Gareth Southgate‘s squad for the upcoming matches could hinge on his current form. Southgate previously selected Shaw for the Euro 2024 tournament, but he has not been called up since then. Amorim, speaking at a press conference, shared insights on the complexities of national team selection and the pressure faced by managers.

“It’s hard, it’s hard here, it’s hard in Portugal. I have the same questions about the players, it’s really hard to choose the players,” Amorim stated.

He emphasized the competitive nature of England’s player pool, stating that the country could effectively field two teams capable of contending for a World Cup. “I know it’s tough for you guys, it’s harder than Portugal, but it’s an opinion,” he added, highlighting the intense scrutiny national coaches face.

Amorim sympathized with the challenges of international selection, noting that player performance can shift dramatically based on upcoming fixtures. Despite his hope for Shaw’s return to the national team, Amorim admitted to a degree of selfishness in wanting Shaw to remain fit and available for his club. “For me, I want him to go to the national team, but I also want Luke Shaw to train with me, recover with me, and be prepared for my game,” he said.

Tuchel’s Perspective on Shaw

Thomas Tuchel, Shaw’s manager at Manchester United, provided further context regarding his decision to leave the defender out of the October international squad. He indicated that while Shaw is in excellent condition and has the quality to enhance the team, he prefers to allow Shaw more time to regain match rhythm.

“It was a very close call. I just want him to have a little bit more minutes. He looks very fit. He looks very determined,” Tuchel explained.

As the international break approaches, Shaw’s situation remains pivotal for both club and country. His consistent performances at Manchester United could see him earn a much-anticipated return to the England squad, while his club’s priorities continue to take precedence in the minds of both Amorim and Tuchel.

With the upcoming matches on the horizon, the decisions made by Amorim and Tuchel could influence not only Shaw’s career but also the dynamics of the national team. Manchester United fans and England supporters alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.