Gareth Southgate could be forced to change his original plan for Luke Shaw ahead of England’s final Euro 2024 group stage game against Slovenia.
- Shaw taken to Euro 2024
- Still not fully fit
- Southgate forced to change plan
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Telegraph, the England boss had originally planned to use Shaw off the bench on Tuesday evening to help him reach full fitness – although this now appears unlikely.
Shaw trained alone on Friday afternoon and is now a major doubt for the game against Slovenia.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Shaw’s selection was a risk from Southgate, with the Manchester United defender last featuring in February due to several different injuries.
Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier has started the games against Serbia and Denmark for England in the opening fixtures of the tournament – and will likely feature there again.
Shaw was part of the match-day squad for the first game but was not involved at all during the 1-1 draw with Denmark.
WHAT WAS SAID
A source close to Shaw has since commented on the situation, where they said: “Luke’s not played for more than four months. Even if he plays, he’s not going to be anywhere near fit enough and there’s a real chance he will pick something else up.”
WHAT NEXT FOR SOUTHGATE?
As previously noted, Southgate will now have to lean on the talents of other players in his squad at left-back. While no other player naturally plays there, Trippier, Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez have all operated in the role previously.
