“Madness…” Three Manchester United players warned against Euros call-up

Three Manchester United players “cannot” go to this summer’s European Championships, according to ex-Old Trafford defender Paul Parker.

Despite a poor season, Manchester United are expected that a number of their players will be called up to their national squads for the upcoming international tournaments this summer.

With both the European Championships and Copa America returning to the world stage in 2024, the European and South American talent from Erik ten Hag‘s squad will travel to Germany and the United States, respectively.

Read More: What Manchester United told Getafe president about Mason Greenwood loan next season

While those such as Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and Scott McTominay are almost certainties for selection, there is a question mark over those who represent England.

In United’s current team, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Kobbie Mainoo are all hoping to get the call from Gareth Southgate, but ex-United defender Paul Parker believes that three of them should not.

Parker’s bold claim

Speaking to mybettingsites, Parker suggested that it would be “madness” to call up Shaw due to his extensive injuries this campaign, while Rashford cannot go to Germany as he “hasn’t done enough”.

“It would be madness for Gareth Southgate to take Luke Shaw. He’s played no football. He’s barely played over the last five years. He starts blocking people and pulling people when the game isn’t going his way because he doesn’t do the hard work.

“You can’t take Luke Shaw. Chilwell has hardly played, either. You don’t know if he’s going to stay fit. But you may find that if they are picked for England, they’ll fight through the pain, knowing the rewards if they win.

“Rashford can’t go either. He hasn’t done enough. No way can he go. He can’t. If Southgate sticks by his word when he took over he should be picking players on form. You can’t take Rashford.”

The Mainoo question

Continuing, Parker also advised against the prospect of Mainoo joining the squad in Germany as he “probably needs a break”.

“I don’t think England can take him,” Parker said when asked about Mainoo. “There are players that have done better. Since he made his debut for England, he’s struggled a bit, so picking him means he won’t be starting, and you’re taking him away for a month when he probably needs a break.”

“It could be better for him to have some downtime and be with his mates rather than walking around a hotel.”