Luke Shaw is set to remain on the bench for England’s semi-final clash against the Netherlands despite the player declaring himself fit on the eve of the Dortmund clash, according to reports.
The Manchester United defender has battled for fitness since joining up with Gareth Southgate‘s side, after being chosen to join the squad despite having failed to play a minute for his club or country since February.
Shaw began training with the squad after previously completing an individual programme last week, and took to the pitch for the first time during England’s quarter-final against Switzerland.
Coming on as a 78th-minute substitute, Shaw saw out the extra-time and penalties and was in high spirits about the prospect of making the starting XI on Wednesday evening two days earlier.
I think I am (fit enough to start) but obviously, that’s Gareth’s (Southgate) decision. But I feel fit and ready to go,’ Shaw told the press on Monday.
Luke Shaw is reportedly not in line to make England’s starting XI to face the Netherlands
As per Sky Sports, the England manager’s decision will see Shaw again only feature as a substitute, with the head coach believed to prefer Kieran Trippier‘s talents in favour of the 28-year-old.
Southgate is also thought to question whether Shaw is capable of seeing out the full 90 minutes in the role, despite his confidence in his recovery.
Before taking to the pitch on Saturday evening against Murat Yakin’s side, Shaw had been concerned that he would be unable to play a single minute despite making the squad.
Shaw suffered an injury scare while training with the England camp which saw him miss several days towards the end of the group stage, and shared on Monday that it had crossed his mind that his tournament might be over.
‘I think so, purely because of what I had been through. I worked so hard and then for something like that to happen, I was worried,’ Shaw confirmed.
‘But I had a scan and it wasn’t too bad, it was only a minor one. So I knew there was an opportunity to come back and play later in the tournament.’