Alan Shearer urges Southgate to make change that could 'benefit' England in Euro 2024 final vs Spain
Alan Shearer has advised Gareth Southgate to start Luke Shaw in England's Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday (July 14). The Manchester United left-back has yet to start during the tournament in Germany.
Shaw came on in the second half of the Three Lions' 2-1 win against the Netherlands in the semifinals. He is the only left-footed defender in Southgate's squad but his game time has been managed amid a long-term injury.
Shearer tipped Shaw to come into England's starting lineup against Spain, who are slight favorites heading into the final at the Olympiastadon Berlin. He suggested he should replace makeshift left-back Kieran Trippier when speaking to Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast:
"It wouldn't surprise me if he put Luke Shaw in from the start and then kept everything else the same."
Shearer hopes Southgate continues with a back three as well, as this could hinder Spain's pacey wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams:
"That is a huge strength in what they've got in Yamal and Williams on either side. Yamal loves to come inside on his left foot, that's what we wants to do, there are not many times where he goes on the outside on the right."
He added:
"So if that's going to happen, and you are going to play to play three at the back which I think he may do, he should run into traffic which hopefully might work to England's benefit."
Shaw has impressed in his two substitute appearances during Euro 2024. He helped change the game in England's quarterfinal win against Switzerland, a 6-4 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
The Three Lions' lack of a left-footer in defense has been somewhat problematic. Southgate's decision to use three at the back against the Netherlands worked well, particularly in the first half.
"A fantastic job" - Ashley Young urges England to keep Gareth Southgate regardless of Euro 2024 final result
Southgate's future has been a huge talking point throughout England's Euro 2024 campaign. There have been strong suggestions that he'll depart once the tournament concludes despite his contract running until December. He came under intense criticism ahead of the Netherlands win for some questionable performances from his team in Germany.
Ashley Young has explained to talkSPORT why he would keep Southgate in charge. The Everton full-back alluded to his former manager's record:
"Whether Gareth Southgate leaves after this tournament, whether they sack him, for me, I would keep Gareth Southgate in a job, to be honest. He has got us to two finals and a semi-final, he is doing a fantastic job."
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the English FA insists on Southgate remaining in charge. They want him to stay in the role regardless of Sunday's result, and internal talks have already taken place.
Southgate was appointed England manager in September 2016. He's overseen 64 wins in 101 games. He's the first Three Lions boss to take the nation to two European Championship finals, the first on foreign soil (Euro 2024).