Luke Shaw expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by England manager Gareth Southgate and affirmed his readiness to contribute significantly to the team’s success at Euro 2024, having successfully overcome recent injury challenges.
Southgate’s choice to select Shaw as the sole natural
left-back in the 26-man roster has drawn criticism, given the Manchester United
player’s limited participation in the tournament.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old individual made his initial
appearance for both club and country since February as a substitute player
towards the end of the match as England emerged victorious over Switzerland in
a penalty shootout, thereby setting up a semi-final encounter with the
Netherlands on Wednesday.
“The last four months have been really tough,” Shaw told a
press conference on Monday.
“At the start I was expected to come back a lot sooner but I
went through quite a few setbacks.
“I’m here now and it was really nice to get on the other
night.”
Shaw expresses his readiness to commence the match, though
it is anticipated that Mr. Kieran Trippier will maintain his position on the
left flank of the defensive line, which has conceded a mere three goals over
the course of five games.
Southgate has received significant criticism for his
conservative approach, as England has managed to reach the semi-finals despite
a relatively favorable draw.
Nevertheless, Shaw defended the England coach’s record of
reaching three semi-finals in four major tournaments under his leadership.
Prior to Southgate’s appointment, the England national
football team had only reached three semi-finals in its history.
“He’s really taken us to the next level, no manager has
really been as a successful as him,” added Shaw.
“I have a lot to thank him for because he showed a lot of
faith and trust in picking me when he didn’t have to and for that I will always
be thankful.
“Now I need to repay the faith he showed in me.”
Shaw netted the opening goal in England’s first major final
in 55 years at Euro 2020.
Nevertheless, that elation was dampened by the unfortunate
loss to Italy in the penalty shootout, serving as a catalyst for heightened
determination to achieve greater success on this occasion.
“I remember the feelings after that game were the worst I’ve
ever felt, so of course the motivation is very high,” Shaw said of the final
three years ago.
“We’ve got world class players all over the pitch and it’s
now time, the crunch (time) when those players will step up.
“In these moments that’s what you need and everyone is
looking forward to another semi-final and trying to reach another final.”