England players ‘love’ Southgate, says fit-again Shaw

Luke Shaw is baffled by criticism of Gareth Southgate and says the England players “love him”.

Southgate has come under fire for some sub-standard displays from the Three Lions during Euro 2024 but has still guided the team to a third semi-final in the last four major tournaments.

Shaw, who made his comeback following a hamstring injury in Saturday’s penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland, is in contention for a starting place in Wednesday’s last-four clash with the Netherlands.

Asked about Southgate, the Manchester United left-back said: “I don’t understand the criticism. What he’s done for the country and us players, he’s taken us to the next level. No manager has been as successful as he has recently.

“Us players love him, he’s exactly what we need. He allows us to go out on the pitch and be our best. He’s shown a lot of faith and trust in picking me.”

Rest, recover and onto Wednesday 👊 pic.twitter.com/2IeJ6xrsF3

— England (@England) July 7, 2024

Shaw not a good watcher

Shaw admitted the last few months had been difficult and said he had been pushed to work even harder by having to watch England’s first four games in Germany from the sidelines.

“The last four months have been really tough,” he added. “At the start, I was expected to come back a lot sooner, but I went through a lot of setbacks. It was really nice to get on the other night and get some minutes, I’ve been itching.

“Of course, I think I am [fit and ready to play 90 minutes], that is down to Gareth’s decision. I feel fit and ready to go.

“It’s been strange. It’s also been difficult as well, going to games, feeling the atmosphere, not putting the shirt on or being involved in games was hard, but that motivated me more to work hard.

“The atmosphere in those games spurred me on.

“I was of course excited to come back, but the priority was to help us get back into the game and get us through.”

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England face a tough test against the Dutch

Shaw is anticipating a difficult game against the Netherlands, who overcame Turkey in the quarterfinals on Saturday night.

He said: “They’re a really good team, they’re really well coached, but we just need to focus on what we do.

“It is a big, big game. I think it will be a really good game.

“The most important thing is winning games and getting through to the next round. Whether people like it or not, how we’re playing, we’re winning games and we’re in the semi-finals.”