Alan Shearer explains two missing Manchester United players makes him 'worried'

Alan Shearer is concerned about England's defence at Euro 2024 due to Harry Maguire's withdrawal from the squad and Luke Shaw's race against time to return from injury.

Manchester United had three players named in the provisional England squad, Maguire, Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo, but the club's former captain failed to make the final cut.

Maguire succumbed to a calf injury he sustained during United training in April and his absence will be a huge blow for England as they compete in Germany this summer.

The 31-year-old has been a stalwart for England over the last few years and Gareth Southgate has never managed at a major tournament without him.

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Southgate has given Shaw every chance to feature at Euro 2024, despite the defender last playing for United on Feburary 18 when sustaining a muscle injury against Luton Town.

Shaw has been the first choice left-back during Southgate's tenure and is set to be available to feature after the Three Lions' opening two group-stage matches.

Betfair's new ambassador Shearer recently sat down to discuss England's chances of winning the Euros. The legendary former striker praised Southgate's attacking options, although he expressed concerns about the defence due to Maguire's absence and Shaw's lack of fitness.

“I think whatever players Gareth Southgate plays, and whatever selections he makes, I think we could, and probably should, have the best front six, possibly, in world football," said Shearer.

“Whether it's Saka on the right, Kane, Foden, Gordon, Rice, Bellingham, whoever he plays, that is a front six that can compete with anyone.

“My concern is defensively, even if Harry Maguire was in the squad then I would still have one or two concerns. I think he will be a miss in both boxes for and against set pieces.

“Luke Shaw isn't going to be available for the first game or two as well. Defensively there's a worry but going forward and in midfield they are as good as anywhere.

“The one question is, who he actually plays alongside Rice? Does he be brave and put Trent in there? If you use Iceland as an example and you go in on the front foot, which I hope he does, I hope he goes 'we've got a great chance of winning this tournament we're going to go for it, they're not scared of anyone'.

"But I also understand that you do need to give that back four a little bit of protection. Whether that's Trent in there or he puts Mainoo in there, we will have to wait and see, or whether it's Rice and Bellingham, and then he puts Foden in the ten role, which is what I would go for.

“I would have Rice and Bellingham, then Saka on the right, Kane and then Anthony Gordon, with Phil Foden in behind them playing the ten role which he has been so brilliant at this season.”

England are the bookies' favourites to win Euro 2024, sitting ahead of France in the market.