England faces Euro 2024 blow as Luke Shaw sidelined for early matches
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has hit an early snag with Manchester United defender Luke Shaw set to miss crucial group stage matches.
Shaw’s absence from training ahead of the Denmark clash has fueled concerns about his availability, with fears that he may also be sidelined for the encounter against Slovenia next week.
Despite this, England manager Gareth Southgate remains optimistic, asserting that Shaw’s absence was anticipated. “Luke is following his own recovery program. We’ve planned for him to have rest days when the team is training,” Southgate explained.
“He’s progressing as expected, and there’s no setback.”
Southgate emphasized that Shaw could potentially be ready for the knockout stages, a scenario they had prepared for.
“There was a brief moment we thought he might be ahead of schedule, but realistically, we’re looking at the end of this week or early next.”
The England boss remains unfazed by external opinions on his team selection and tactics. “Everyone has different views, and I’m really calm about that,” he said.
Phil Foden has also been a focal point of recent discussions. Despite criticism following the 1-0 win over Serbia, Southgate praised Foden’s performance. “Phil did an exceptional job. His work for the team and his intelligence on the field were crucial,” Southgate noted.
As England gears up for the Denmark match, Southgate’s calm demeanor and clear strategy aim to keep the team focused. “We’re in a good position and know we want to play better. The players understand the unique pressure of international football, and we’re ready for the challenges ahead,” he concluded.
With Shaw’s recovery on track, England’s hopes remain high for his return in the later stages of the tournament, bolstering their defense as they push for Euro 2024 glory.
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