Six Manchester United players called up in England and France squads for World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Dean Henderson have been named in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Gareth Southgate-led team face San Marino on Friday, before travelling to Albania for their second Group I fixture.

A home clash against Poland will be England’s final encounter on April 1.

One of the major talking points has to be Shaw’s return to the squad. His last international appearance was against Spain in the Nations League in September 2018, and he has only played two games for England under Southgate.

The left-back is having an excellent run with United at the moment and was named the Player of the Month for February.

Shaw has been excellent not only at the back but has also been helpful in creating chances inside the box. He also scored a goal against Manchester City earlier this month.

Rashford has scored 14 goals and made 12 assists in 44 appearances for the club this season.

However, he is in the midst of a dry spell, with his last goal coming in the Premier League clash against Newcastle United on February 21.

Henderson has also showcased his skills in the past couple of weeks as he took David de Gea’s spot after the Spaniard missed a few games to attend the birth of his first child.

The 24-year-old was excellent against City earlier this month as he frustrated Pep Guardiola’s side to keep a clean sheet.

United captain Maguire also had his best game this season against West Ham United on Sunday.

He has been a central figure at the back under Southgate, and his inclusion in the England squad comes as a little surprise.

Pogba, Martial named in France squad

France also announced their squad for the World Cup 2022 Qualifiers and Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial have been included in it.

Pogba has been absent for the Red Devils since suffering a knock during the 3-3 draw against Everton on February 6.

But the midfielder has travelled with the squad to Italy for Thursday’s Europa League clash against AC Milan and is expected to feature in the contest.

Martial has not travelled with the United squad. He missed the league clash against West Ham after suffering a hip injury during last week’s Europa clash against Milan at Old Trafford.

The United no. 9 is also not having the best season in front of the goal, scoring only seven goals in 35 appearances for the club.