Ruben Amorim Advocates for Luke Shaw’s England Recall Amid Fitness Concerns

Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Sporting CP, has expressed his desire for Manchester United’s Luke Shaw to regain his place in the England national squad. However, he added that he would not be displeased if the defender remains overlooked, as it would ensure Shaw stays fully fit for his club.

Shaw, who is 30 years old, has played every Premier League match this season without injury. Although he appeared to sustain a minor injury during a match against Brighton, Amorim clarified that the substitution was due to Shaw suffering from a virus prior to the game. Despite a challenging performance in the Manchester derby against Manchester City, Shaw’s overall form has been strong, leading to speculation about his potential recall to the England squad later this month.

Gareth Southgate included Shaw in his roster for Euro 2024, but he has not received a call-up since. Amorim spoke at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, where he was asked about Shaw’s chances for re-selection. “It’s hard, it’s hard here, it’s hard in Portugal,” he stated. “I have the same questions about the players; it’s really hard to choose. People point a finger at you if you are the national manager, if you choose this one or the other one.”

He acknowledged the depth of talent in the England team, noting, “England has a lot of good players, and you can choose two teams to win a World Cup. I know it’s tougher for you guys than it is for Portugal, but it’s just an opinion.”

Amorim sympathised with Southgate’s predicament, adding, “The selection depends on how players perform and the opponents you face. In the next two matches, the type of player you want to call up may change. I think he deserves it, but many players are also worthy of a return.”

Despite his hopes for Shaw’s national team inclusion, Amorim revealed a more immediate concern: “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. So I’m a little bit selfish on that. If he doesn’t go to the national team, that’s fine, because I can control better what he’s doing.”

Thomas Tuchel, the manager of Chelsea, also addressed Shaw’s situation during the October international break. He stated, “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. I think he has the quality and experience to play and to make us better right away. But I want to keep him back a little bit until he has more rhythm than he has right now.”

As the international break nears, the decision on Shaw’s inclusion in the England squad remains uncertain. His performances at Manchester United will likely play a crucial role in any potential call-up. As fans await the announcement, both Amorim and Tuchel’s comments underscore the balancing act between club commitments and international aspirations that many players face.