Gareth Southgate’s England team has received a major boost ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Switzerland with Luke Shaw being declared fit for selection.
After suffering a muscle injury in February, the Manchester United left-back was sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Despite his unavailability, Southgate maintained his faith in Shaw, selecting him as part of England’s Euro 2024 squad.
At the start of the tournament, Shaw remained unavailable for both the opening 1-0 victory over Serbia and the subsequent 1-1 draw with Denmark. In fact, it was reported that the United star was not involved in group training at that stage.
Last week, The Peoples Person relayed news that Shaw not only returned to group training ahead of England’s final group game against Slovenia but would be fit to participate in the Round of 16 clash with Slovakia.
Although he did not play in the 2-1 extra-time win, Shaw was included on the bench, indicating that he was fit enough to play if need be.
Now it appears that Shaw’s return to the fold is imminent, leaving Southgate with a huge decision to make when it comes to selecting his squad for tomorrow’s quarter-final match.
The Telegraph mentioned this morning that Southgate is considering switching to a back three for the Switzerland clash.
While Shaw would have no trouble appearing in a wing-back role or as the third centre-back, the British newspaper claimed that Southgate’s major dilemma would be whether to hand him minutes as a sub or start him from the outset. Injury management will be key for both club and country.
Although the article mentioned that Bukayo Saka could play as a wing-back on either flank, this makes little sense given the defensive depth that England possess, particularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold available to play on the right.
During Erik ten Hag’s debut season in charge of United, Shaw proved just how effective he was at centre-back when he covered for his injured teammates, meaning he could prove to be a particularly versatile option should a back three be played.
Still, United will hope that Southgate is not rushing Shaw back from injury so as to not aggravate his injury ahead of a crucial club season.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
