Michael Carrick has backed Manchester United trio Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw for an England recall when Thomas Tuchel names his last squad on Friday before making his final selection for the World Cup.
Maguire and Mainoo last played for their country in September 2024 when caretaker Lee Carsley was in charge for the Nations League clash with Ireland, while Shaw’s last appearance was the final of Euro 2024 against Spain.
They have yet to play under Tuchel who has hinted they are in his thoughts after insisting in August that there was no anti-United bias. ‘Every decision is an individual decision,’ said the England boss. ‘There is for sure no decision against Man United.’
Carrick hopes the three players have done enough during United’s recent revival under him to force their way back into Tuchel’s plans for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Asked if he has spoken to Tuchel about a possible call-up, he said: ‘No, I haven’t been in touch. For the boys, I’d love to see them picked for this one and obviously picked for the summer.
‘I don’t have any influence on that but certainly the boys, the way they’re playing, I think they’ve put themselves right in the conversation and right in the picture and given themselves a chance. So we’ll see. I literally don’t know any more than you on that one.
Michael Carrick has backed Kobbie Mainoo (left) and Harry Maguire (right) for England recalls along with Luke Shaw
‘But the boys are definitely playing well enough to warrant a place for sure. It’s just not my decision so we’ll have to wait and see.’
Carrick gave an update on the injury situation before United fly to the South Coast for Friday’s game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Matthijs De Light is no closer to returning from a back injury after four months on the sidelines. ‘It’s frustrating for him,’ said Carrick. ‘I think he’s obviously trying to work towards getting back but just the back issue really, that’s proving difficult. So we’ll keep working as hard as we can with everyone to get him back as quick as we can.’
Lisandro Martinez is nearing a return from a calf injury, although the Bournemouth game might come too soon for him. ‘He’s closer, a lot closer,’ added Carrick. ‘He’s getting there, so after this one I think he’ll be alright. Patrick (Dorgu) is further down the line.’
Noussair Mazraoui missed training at Carrington on Wednesday, with Carrick revealing that the player ‘just wasn’t feeling too good today’, while Mason Mount is expected to be on the bench for the second game in a row after returning from his latest injury.
‘Starting would be too much I think at this point, just for the training time and the exposure that he’s had really,’ said Carrick. ‘But it’s brilliant to have him back. He’s a fantastic player, Mason, and great to have around the group again.
‘So we’re delighted to have him back and obviously the break coming up now gives him a chance to get even more up to speed. So in some ways that’s coming at a good time for him.’
