England star provides huge injury update after missing group stages matches
England defender Luke Shaw has claimed he will be fit for the Three Lions' Round of 16 clash against Slovakia in Euro 2024 on Sunday (June 30). Despite being injured, the defender was included in Gareth Southgate's final squad for the continental tournament.
Shaw has been one of Southgate's most trusted players and also scored in the Euro 2020 final, which the Three Lions eventually lost to Italy on penalties.
The defender has been on individual training in his national team's camp but recently joined the team's full training. He was even named on the bench for the final group game against Slovenia.
The Manchester United defender was asked whether he was going to feature in the game, he replied (via Metro):
"Next game."
Kieran Trippier has played at left-back in Luke Shaw's injury absence. Shaw's return, though, could be a massive boost to England.
Shaw, 28, made his national team debut in 2014 and has played 31 matches for the Three Lions. He has so far scored thrice and has provided nine assists for his country. When fit, Shaw is among the best players in the world in his position.
Frank Lampard claims England have missed Luke Shaw at Euro 2024
Luke Shaw's absence has meant Gareth Southgate has used Trippier, who is naturally a right-back, on the left flank. Former England midfielder Frank Lampard has now shared his take on the matter.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the Chelsea legend icon said that Shaw has been missed (via Metro):
"Not having a natural left-sided left-back has been a big deal for him [Southgate] because that felt really good to me watching the last tournaments when Luke Shaw was there."
The Three Lions drew two of their group matches at Euro 2024 against Denmark and Slovenia while they beat Serbia.