England set to make one major change to starting XI for Euro 2024 final against Spain - Reports
Daily Telegraph correspondent Matt Law has said that England are set to start with Luke Shaw in their Euro 2024 final with Spain in Berlin on Sunday (July 14). The Manchester United left-back - back to competitive action after five months - has played two games in Germany but has started neither.
Kieran Trippier has been starting at left-wingback, but as per Law, Southgate is set to start with Shaw as he hopes to beat La Roja and win the Three Lions' first European Championship.
Apparently Southgate' starting XI for the final has been a closely guarded secret, but Shaw is expected to get the nod ahead of Trippier. The United man - being a natural left-footer - would provide better team balance and allow Southgate to shuffle between a back-four and back-three.
Shaw featured in the quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland and the 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the last-four. The Englishman seems to have recovered sufficiently from a hamstring injury, which has plagued him for the better part of the year.
Luke Shaw notably scored the Three Lions' only goal in the 1-1 draw in extra time against Italy in the Euro 2020 final before Southgate's side lost on penalties. He would hope to score again but have a different outcome.
"We'll just have to wait and see what happens" - England's Luke Shaw ahead of Euro 2024 final with Spain
England defender Luke Shaw has reiterated that he's ready to play the full 90 mins - 120 if required. The 29-year-old said before the semis that he was fit to start but came off the bench and played 45 minutes against the Netherlands.
Providing an update on his physical condition ahead of the Spain game, the Englishman said that he's looking forward to contributing to the team in whichever capacity he's asked to do so (as per The Telegraph):
"It’s a case of taking it as it comes. I said before the semis that I was ready to go – and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
About winning Euro 2024 against Spain, the England defender said:
“It would mean everything. I think the bond we have here is extremely special. It’s not one I’ve been a part of before.
"I think everyone is so together, everyone is really close, and it feels like a big family and for all of us to win it together would be, of course, a very special feeling.”
England are looking to win their first European Championship - and first major title in 58 years - while Spain are on a quest to win the competition for a record fourth time. Which team will reign supreme at Euro 2024?