0
0 Gareth Southgate has said that he believes Luke Shaw has “a good chance” of making England’s final Euro 2024 squad despite the defender having not played competitive football since February.
Shaw’s last appearance for club or country came on Feb. 18 when he limped off with a muscular problem early in the second half of Manchester United’s 2-1 win at Luton Town.
Southgate admitted at last month’s provisional squad announcement that the 28-year-old was “up against it” in his bid to make the plane to Germany, with the England boss having until Friday night to narrow down an initial 33-man selection to a maximum of 26.
But Shaw reported early for England duty following the end of the domestic season as he battles to prove himself and Southgate offered an encouraging update when speaking to reporters on Sunday.
“He’s progressing very well, I have to say,” Southgate told TalkSport. “I think I said last week that until we had the players in front of us working with us, there was a lot of information that we didn’t have.
Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England (Photo by Carl Recine – Pool/Getty Images)
“We’re pleased with how he’s progressing. There’s still a bit to do before he can get on the pitch in a game situation.
“But really pleased with the work he’s doing with our physical performance team and our medics, so, yeah, he’s in with a good chance.”
Luke Shaw of Manchester United (Photo by Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images)
Shaw has amassed 31 international caps and scored the opening goal in England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. Left-back is a problem position for England with Kieran Trippier, typically used at right-back, the most likely candidate to start at Euro 2024 if Shaw is unavailable.
Southgate confirmed that Shaw, Harry Maguire, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and John Stones will all miss Monday’s first warm-up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Newcastle’s St James’ Park as England’s preparations are hampered by a variety of fitness issues.
Harry Maguire Photo Courtesy: Livescore
Jude Bellingham Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
Jude Bellingham will also be absent against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for Friday’s friendly against Iceland at Wembley after the midfielder was given a week off following Real Madrid’s Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.
