Luke Shaw will be available for selection for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
Gareth Southgate confirmed the news to talkSPORT in his press conference on Friday.
The left-back made Southgate’s final 26-man squad for the tournament, but has been unable to feature so far due to a hamstring injury sustained in February that has left him sidelined since.
Now, though, he can help fill the position England have been struggling to find an effective replacement in.
Newcastle’s right-footed full-back Kieran Trippier has started there for the Three Lions in Germany so far.
Arsenal’s winger Bukayo Saka even spent a period of the 2-1 win over Slovakia at left-back too after Trippier was withdrawn.
England could also play Liverpool’s Joe Gomez in that position, with the Reds defender starring there for his club plenty of times over the last season.
However, Southgate’s left-back headache may now be coming to an end should Shaw be able to make an appearance in their all important clash against the Swiss, which is live on talkSPORT.
“Trippier has been outstanding for us,” Southgate said. “Luke Shaw is available, available to start. But Kieran 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 team-mates to play the game.
“It’s a dying art – good talkers on the pitch, you can’t have enough of them.
“He has adapted and done a brilliant, brilliant job for us.”
Shaw has been a key star for England under Southgate at major tournaments, with the Man United star scoring his country’s only goal in the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
He was meant to speak to the media in his first official appearance of the tournament on Wednesday.
However, Ivan Toney took over duties instead.
talkSPORT understands that was due to Shaw preferring to speak if he plays.
Meanwhile, Southgate has kept his cards close to his chest when asked if England will change their formation for the quarter-final tie.
“We’re always considering the best way to approach a game,” Southgate said when quizzed on whether he could play three at the back.
“We are always trying to prepare to give our opponents the best possible game.”
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News Summary:
- Gareth Southgate reveals Luke Shaw is available for England’s Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland
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