Legendary Arsenal player Paul Merson said that he was “surprised” by England manager Gareth Southgate’s selection of Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw for his most recent team.
In preparation for their next UEFA Nations League matches against Germany and Italy, Southgate just unveiled a 28-man roster and Merson has reservations about it.
Shaw and Harry Maguire, a colleague at Manchester United, were chosen to be in the squad.
Shaw and Maguire have both played in only two and three Premier League games, respectively, this season under Man United boss Erik ten Hag.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said (via HITC), “Not with Harry Maguire I wasn’t (surprised he was selected). I think he plays a big part and the way they play with Gareth (Southgate).
“But I was shocked with the Luke Shaw one. The number of fullbacks we have in this country and talented fullbacks. But if Harry Maguire doesn’t get into the Man United team, come November, then it’s going to be a major worry for Gareth.”
Merson added: “In a way, he should have brought some players he might have to go to. You can’t go three months without football, then play international football, especially in the heat they will play in.”
