Manchester United players will have big roles to play for England at the Euros this summer.
Harry Maguire will be starting at the heart of the defence, Marcus Rashford could be a key rotation option in the attack, while Kobbie Mainoo could be the ace in the hole in the midfield.
Luke Shaw is another United player who could have a key role to play for England, but according to Carlton Palmer, speaking on The World Class Stamp Podcast, the £30m man shouldn’t be starting for the Three Lions.
Palmer stated that he’s not a fan of Shaw, claiming that he thinks he’s a good player but a poor defender.
Luke Shaw is a poor defender
Palmer shared his verdict on Shaw.
“I think we have an issue at left-back. I’m not a Luke Shaw fan. I think he’s a good footballer, but he’s a poor defender. He’s a poor defender. Shaw on that side with Maguire, it doesn’t work for me. If Gareth Southgate was sold on Luke Shaw, why did he start Trippier at left-back for the Euros?” Palmer said.
England’s left-back problem
Palmer is right, England do have a serious issue at left-back.
Shaw is a good player, but he’s rarely fit and he does have his defensive deficiencies, and the same can be said of Ben Chilwell.
Other options include the likes of Levi Colwill and Joe Gomez, but they’re not natural left-backs and don’t have the attacking intent that players such as Shaw and Chilwell do.
England have an incredible amount of quality down the right side, but, unfortunately, as has been the case for generations, there’s a real problem going down the left.
Shaw will likely get the nod for this summer’s tournament, but whether or not that proves to be the correct call remains to be seen.