Fit to start: England’s Luke Shaw signs autographs after a press conference in Blankenhain. — AP
BLANKENHAIN: It has not been easy for Luke Shaw. The England leftback has had to battle with a muscle injury which has kept him out of action since mid-February.
Yet, Gareth Southgate decided to take the Manchester United man to Germany as his only natural left-back in a 26-man squad. The England manager was been lambasted for it with Shaw sidelined for most of the tournament.
However, the 28-year-old made his first appearance for club or country since February as a late substitute as England beat Switzerland on penalties to set up the semi-final meeting with Holland today.
Now, he says he is ready to repay the faith shown in him by Southgate.
“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 believes he is fit to start, although Kieran Trippier is expected to keep his place on the left side of a defence that has conceded just three goals in five games.
Southgate has been fiercely criticised for an overly cautious approach as England have stumbled their way into the last four despite a soft draw.
However, Shaw defended the England coach’s record in reaching three semi-finals in four major tournaments in charge.
Prior to Southgate’s appointment, the Three Lions had only reached three semi-finals in their 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 scored the opening goal in England’s first major final for 55 years at Euro 2020.
However, that joy was soured by losing the match on penalties to Italy and provided more motivation to go one better this time.
“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.” — AFP
