Sunday, December 22, 2024

Is Shaw fit to face Switzerland? Latest on England ace ahead of Euro clash

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Luke Shaw has still not played a single minute at Euro 2024 but he could be finally set to return this weekend.

The Manchester United left-back was selected as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the tournament despite not playing any football at all since February due to a hamstring injury. 

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Shaw hasn’t featured for England in GermanyCredit: Getty

There were plans to see him return to match fitness in the group stage but that has not been the case, with him only taking part in training so far. 

It has forced Kieran Trippier to fill in and that has clearly made a negative impact on how the Three Lions have been able to function.

So Shaw’s return could be pivotal and here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at whether he is available to take on Switzerland…

Is Luke Shaw fit to face Switzerland? 

Shaw is fit to play for England on Saturday evening.

Southgate has confirmed that he will be available for selection, telling talkSPORT at his press conference: “Luke Shaw is available, available to start.

“But Kieran [Trippier] has done a brilliant job for the team.

“He obviously doesn’t give us the natural balance of a natural left footer but his leadership, his talking is phenomenal and helps his teammates to play the game.”

“It’s a dying art – good talkers on the pitch, you can’t have enough of them.

Shaw is available and could get his first minutes of Euro 2024

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Shaw is available and could get his first minutes of Euro 2024Credit: AFP

“He has adapted and done a brilliant, brilliant job for us.”

So, Shaw could possibly be given the nod, however, Southgate’s praise for Trippier indicates he won’t be getting dropped.

England players train ahead of their quarter-final clash against Switzerland at Euro 2024

Bringing in a player who hasn’t set foot on the pitch since February in a quarter-final of a major tournament would be a major risk. 

And reports claim England could be set to change formation to play three-at-the-back which could nullify the need for a left-back anyways. 

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is said to be in line for a wing-back role in front of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Ezri Konsa against the Swiss.

talkSPORT is bringing you live commentary of EVERY game at Euro 2024. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views and reaction to the big moments.

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