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Jordan Pickford has claimed that Luke Shaw has completed his rehabilitation from injury and is ready to play for England at Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate‘s side were saved from the embarrassment of a last-16 exit in Gelsenkirchen by Jude Bellingham‘s stunning bicycle kick in the 95th-minute before Harry Kane scored the winner within seconds of the start of extra-time.
The listless display emphasised several issues in the squad, including the absence of Shaw – who has been sidelined through injury since February.
Kieran Trippier has deputised at left-back but his performances in an admittedly unfamiliar role have drawn criticism.
However, according to Pickford, there is good news to report from the camp. The England goalkeeper has revealed that Shaw is ‘ready’ to play a part in the tournament and was even able to take the field against Slovakia.
Luke Shaw returned to full training last week after being sidelined with injury since February
Jordan Pickford has revealed the defender could have played in a part in England’s dramatic win over Slovakia on Sunday
‘He was ready to come on last night, but I’m not the manager.’ The England No 1 told talkSPORT. ‘He’s ready. Luke says he’s ready.’
The 28-year-old returned to full fitness last week having previously spent a period working alone, raising concerns he may not feature at all here in Germany.
Ahead of the dramatic game in Gelsenkirchen, the Manchester United defender told reporters that he would be available to take part in the game against Slovakia.
During the tie, Southgate opted to move Bukayo Saka to the left wing-back position when Trippier was forced off in the second half. His reluctance to field the squad’s only natural left-back raised some questions over his fitness.
However, given the intensity of the match, the manager’s decision is understandable.
Even if Southgate continues to practice caution with his usage of Shaw, Trippier’s injury status notwithstanding, he will be forced into shaking up his backline after Marc Guehi picked up a suspension for the quarter-final.
England have six days to prepare for their last-eight clash against Switzerland in Dusseldorf.
Jude Bellingham could miss England quarter-final against Switzerland due to a suspension
The squad are also sweating over the involvement of Bellingham as he is being investigated for a ‘potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct’ during the celebrations of his stunning goal against Slovakia.
UEFA have launched a disciplinary probe which could result in a suspension for the Real Madrid star.