Luke Shaw gave Gareth Southgate a significant boost by returning to full England training today.
Manchester United’s 28-year-old left-back has not played since hurting his hamstring in February.
Two football players stand in front of a banner that reads Hisense.
Luke Shaw (left) and Kieran Trippier returned to training today. A group of soccer players are seen on a field with a betano sign in the backdrop.
The Manchester United star has not played since February. Two guys walk in front of a blue UEFA Euro flag. Shaw is expected to return in the knockout stages if he survives the next few days. Football players run on a pitch.
With Shaw’s comeback, all 26 members of the Euro 2024 squad trained this morning. Southgate’s decision to rely on Shaw’s fitness has proven unsuccessful thus far.
The defender has been unable to train with the rest of his team, which defeated Serbia 1-0 before drawing 1-1 with Denmak.
Shaw will miss Tuesday’s crucial final group match against Slovenia, as we revealed yesterday.
However, his comeback this morning suggests that he may be available for England’s last-16 meeting at the weekend, if they make it.
With Shaw’s return, Southgate was able to train all 26 of his players today.
The England boss had anticipated that the United star would be able to start against Slovenia after sitting out the second encounter against Denmark.
However, it appears that he will return as a substitute for the first knockout game.
In Shaw’s absence, England have used Kieran Trippier, a right-footed left-back.
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The next player in line is Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, who is likewise right-footed.
Southgate’s struggles have not been limited to left-back, with Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performances in midfield also under scrutiny.
This has prompted requests for Anthony Gordon to go wide and either Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, or Adam Wharton to play in the centre.
England has a chance to go to the final 16 of Euro 2024 tonight if a competitor does them a favour.
The Three Lions lead Group C with four points following a win against Serbia and a draw with Denmark.
With the last group game against Slovenia tomorrow, Gareth Southgate’s side might finish third if they lose and Denmark beats Serbia.
Even if Serbia wins their match and equals England’s four-point lead, the Three Lions’ victory in game one gives them the head-to-head edge, putting Harry Kane and co. in second place.
However, because the four best third-place teams have advanced to the Round of 16, they may not have to worry about the outcome of the game based on tonight’s results.