Sven-Goran Eriksson, a former manager of England, thinks it would be challenging for Gareth Southgate to allow Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw to play for the nation's national team.

During Euro 2020, Maguire and Shaw, who are both regulars in Southgate's squad, excelled together and were named two of the best players in the competition.

However, the defenders' form has dipped since England's final loss to Italy.

Recent developments at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag have put Maguire and Shaw out of favor.

Nevertheless, Southgate chose to recall both players for England's upcoming Nations League matches against Germany and Italy.

“That is a difficult one,” Eriksson told BoyleSports.

“I think it is difficult for Southgate to pick Maguire and Shaw because if they don’t play regularly, it is very difficult to let them play in the national team because it is one thing to train, but it is another to have a regular routine of games.”

He added, “In regards to Sancho and Rashford’s absence, I think Rashford should be in the squad."

“He [Southgate] picked 28 players, I think. That is a lot. I don’t think he can do that for the World Cup, but that means he wants to see as many players as possible.

And he wants to work with them and see how they are doing in training. So I guess it’s normal, but I think some of the players who are not picked still have a chance to be picked when he chooses the World Cup squad. "