England have been given a boost by the announcement that Luke Shaw will return from a hamstring injury for Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie against Slovakia. The team’s only professional left back is already out as he has been working his way back from injury since February 18.
In Shaw’s absence, Gareth Southgate has left Kieran Trippier out of position on the left side of the back four, causing balance issues in the team. Trippier’s performances have been solid but his reluctance to overlap up front, combined with Phil Foden’s ability to cut inside from the left, has allowed England to narrow the deficit in their three group games.
Southgate ended Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia with Kyle Walker at left-back and Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring 84thShaw, who replaced Trippier for a minute at right-back, has always considered Shaw a “gamble” worth taking, especially in a 26-man squad. Southgate initially said he expected the Manchester United man to come on as a substitute for the second group game against Denmark, although Shaw’s club manager Erik ten Hag said he would never be available until the last 16. Will appear.
As Shaw left the Cologne Stadium after the Slovenia game, he was asked when he would return. “Next game,” he answered.
Shaw follows a bespoke training program at the team’s base in Blankenhayn, training indoors on certain days, and the Football Association has been careful with him, knowing one wrong move could end his hopes of involvement. One has to worry about the sharpness of Shaw’s game and how much is expected of him after such a long layoff.
Southgate will address the issue, as he said he will discuss with Jude Bellingham the level of pressure the midfielder puts on himself. Bellingham performed well in the first half of England’s first game against Serbia, scoring the winning goal, but struggled against Slovenia and struggled against Denmark.
“It’s about the team,” Southgate said. “We have to always play as a team and sometimes, when Slovenia defends narrowly, our wingers have more chances. Our wingers can show what they are capable of. It’s a bit difficult to play from the middle.
“I thought Phil and Bukayo [Saka] Well done Cole [Palmer] Obviously, he came on and made a good impact. This is the team. For other people you have to focus on the individual, but for me it’s about the functioning of the team and us getting closer to where we want to be.
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Southgate says Bellingham cannot let his frustrations show. “I would leave the information with him rather than put it in the newspaper,” Southgate said.
