Sam Allardyce has taken aim at Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad choices, insisting that Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw should have been picked ahead of Dan Burn and Djed Spence.
The former England boss shared his views on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, produced by BOYLE Sports and Footy Accumulators.
"Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw should be in the England squad based on form and experience," Allardyce said.
It's a bold critique of Tuchel's selections, with Allardyce clearly feeling the Manchester United duo have done enough to warrant their places in the Three Lions setup for the tournament.
Sam Allardyce blasted the decision to include Djed Spence and Dan Burn over Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire
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When it comes to Shaw, Allardyce pointed to an impressive run of games this campaign as proof the defender deserves his spot.
"Shaw, for the first time in a while, has played 38 games for Manchester United, and he plays equally as good at centre-half as he does at left back," he explained.
The former boss also highlighted Shaw's wealth of experience on the international stage, describing him as "fit as a fiddle" after demonstrating his durability throughout the season.
"Shaw has proven his fitness and is such an international talent in terms of what he's done before. I'd absolutely have him instead of Djed Spence," Allardyce added.
Allardyce was equally enthusiastic about Maguire's credentials, noting the defender's crucial contribution to United's improved fortunes this term.
Harry Maguire revealed he was "shocked and gutted" not to make the England squad | GETTY"Harry Maguire was the backbone of the England side for a long time. I've watched him play since he got back into the Man United team and he's been one of the reasons the stability has been brought back to the club," he said.
The former manager also praised Maguire's technical qualities, calling him "without a shadow of doubt, one of the best passers of the ball as a centre-half in the country."
While acknowledging concerns about Maguire's pace, Allardyce drew a flattering comparison to England legend Bobby Moore, who "was very slow and read the game exceptionally well."
Thomas Tuchel has made some surprising calls
| GETTYAllardyce suggested that partnering Maguire with a speedier centre-back could address any mobility worries.
"If you put him alongside someone quick like Marc Guehi, you've got a decent combination there," he noted.
The former England manager was also direct in his assessment of the players currently selected ahead of Maguire.
"Based on who is in the squad ahead of him, Maguire is a better option. I'm not being unfair here, but I'd say he's a better choice than Dan Burn, who's had a difficult time at Newcastle this year," Allardyce concluded.