"Going to have his hands full against Yamal", "Could be problems" - England fans react as 29-year-old starts Euro 2024 final against Spain
Fans have reacted to England starting left-back Luke Shaw against Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday (July 14). The 29-year-old has played twice this tournament without starting.
Back to competitive action after five months on the sidelines, Shaw featured in the quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland and the 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands.
The Englishman's inclusion gives the team a natural left-footed option at the back for the Three Lions. But fans reckon Shaw could have problems from the in-form Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal.
One fan tweeted:
"Really hope Luke Shaw plays a good game. Going to have his hands full against Yamal with Olmo overloading."
Another chimed in:
"Luke Shaw has to be fully fit, otherwise there could be problems with Yamal and Carvajal"
There were similar concerned reactions from other fans. Acosta tweeted:
"Luke Shaw against Yamal. Oh dear that's ugly."
ITsMo1001 commented:
"Luke Shaw won't last more than an hour lol I guess. Southgate wants Trippier to close it out for him."
Not all fans were pessimistic, though, with Duke writing:
"Luke Shaw, show them class is permanent today."
Tom Bowdery said:
"No surprise the Spain lineup is back to how it started the tournament. Luke Shaw starts his first game for me a gamble but one worth making."
The Three Lions are seeking their first European Championship title, while Spain seeking record fourth.
"Hopefully, we can reward him with the win" - Kyle Walker praises England boss ahead of Euro 2024 final with Spain
England defender Kyle Walker is hoping for a memorable finish to the team's Euro 2024 campaign, with their head coach Gareth Southgate on the cusp of history. Having taken his team to the Euro 2020 final - lost to Italy on penalties - the Three Lions have another chance to end their long major-tournament drought.
Walker - who has been a key player for Southgate's side in Germany this summer - hopes to treat the game like any other and not get too overawed by the occasion against an excellent Spain side. He told BBC One:
"It is another final in a European Championship for our country. We have to approach it just like any other game, we take in the occasion, soak it in, but it is another game of football and we know what we have to do.
About Southgate, he added:
"It is down to Gareth what he does (after the tournament), but this night tonight could be the icing on the cake.
"What he has done for this football country is incredible, semi-finals, finals and great moments, how he has brought the lads together. Hopefully, we can reward him with the win."
Kyle Walker has played every minute of all six games during England's Euro 2024 campaign and is set to do the same against Spain in the final in Berlin. Which side will be the last one standing?