Michael Carrick says Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw have earned England consideration, increasing their chances of a recall for Tuchel’s squad. Betting impact: punters might back these players to be included or England to start more Manchester United players in the upcoming friendlies, potentially shortening odds on Maguire/Mainoo starts. Injury updates on Martínez and Mount advise cautious bets on starting XI stability.
Carrick urges England recall for Maguire, Mainoo and Shaw
Michael Carrick has publicly backed Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw to force their way back into England contention ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s final squad announcement. The trio last featured for England at different points: Maguire and Mainoo in September 2024 under Lee Carsley, and Shaw in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. None have yet played under Tuchel, who has insisted there is no bias against Manchester United players.
Carrick’s message to Tuchel and the players
Carrick says United’s recent revival under his guidance has put the three players "right in the conversation." He confirmed he has not been in contact with Tuchel over selections but added: "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 picture and given themselves a chance."
Tuchel’s stance on selection
Tuchel has previously stressed that "every decision is an individual decision" and denied any club-based bias, commenting that "there is for sure no decision against Man United." That openness leaves the door for recalls if form and fitness merit selection for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Injury updates ahead of Bournemouth
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a persistent back issue and has been out for four months. Carrick described the situation as "frustrating" and cautioned that the defender is still working toward a return.
Martínez and other fitness notes
Lisandro Martínez is closing in on a comeback from a calf problem, but Carrick suggested the trip to Bournemouth might come too soon: "He's closer, a lot closer. He's getting there, so after this one I think he'll be alright." Patrick Dorgu is further down the recovery line.
Minor knocks and squad management
Noussair Mazraoui missed a training session after not feeling well, while Mason Mount has returned to the matchday squad but is likely to start on the bench as he regains full fitness. Carrick believes immediate starts would be premature for Mount but welcomed his presence in the group and noted that the upcoming international break offers valuable time to build his match sharpness.
What this means for bettors
Carrick’s public support and United’s form make a recall for Maguire, Mainoo or Shaw plausible, which could influence markets for England squad inclusions and starting XI bets in the friendlies.
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Uncertainty around Martínez and de Ligt keeps defensive line-up bets less predictable, while Mount’s phased return suggests bookmakers and punters should be cautious backing him to start. Consider checking late team news before placing selections.
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