Luke Shaw’s World Cup hopes don’t rest on Denmark friendly, insists Roy Hodgson

Luke Shaw got his first England call-up

England boss Roy Hodgson admits it is ‘the right time’ to call up Luke Shaw but insists his World Cup hopes do not rest on next week’s friendly with Denmark.


The Southampton left-back was today named in a 30-man squad for the game at Wembley, the last before Hodgson must name his provisional World Cup squad.

It looks like two from three at left-back in Brazil, with Ashley Cole seemingly still No.1, but not playing with Chelsea, and Leighton Baines hot on his heels.

The match against the Danes would seem to be the ideal opportunity for Shaw to stake his claim but Hodgson claims it will not be a one-off audition for the 18-year-old – and admitted he may not even play a part next week.

‘It was the right time to call him in,’ said the Three Lions boss. ‘But our decision on him [for the World Cup] will not be made over 90 minutes, it will be made over the course of his work during the season.

Luke Shaw could make his England debut against Denmark

‘We have three left-backs who vary in experience and I won’t make any promises [about which will start against Denmark].’

Hodgson also defended his decision to leave out Andy Carroll and several other players who are in good form for their clubs.

He added: ‘I haven’t had much time to look at him [Carroll], he’s started two matches in ten months and has two months now to convince me he is better than the names I already have.

‘[Sunderland winger] Adam Johnson is another we know about and [Everton midfielder] Gareth Barry hasn’t been with us in two years here but I wouldn’t be averse to calling him in.’