Luke Shaw feared injury setback had ended Euro 2024 dream with England - ‘Things didn't go as planned’

Luke Shaw finally managed to get some game time at Euro 2024 in England's dramatic quarter-final victory over Switzerland on Saturday. There has been plenty of focus on Shaw's recovery, with the Manchester United defender the only recognised left-back in Gareth Southgate's squad. The Three Lions are now preparing for a semi-final clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday evening.

Luke Shaw admits he feared his Euro 2024 dream was over after opening up on a setback in his rehabilitation from injury.

Shaw was a surprise inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s England squad after battling with a troublesome hamstring issue, but gained his first minutes on the pitch in the quarter-final win over Switzerland.

He is now in contention to start England's semi-final meeting with the Netherlands on Wednesday.

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Asked if he feared he could be ruled out of the tournament, he said: “Yes I thought so. I was, of course, worried.

"But I had a scan and it wasn't too bad, so I knew there was still an opportunity to come back. It was just in training, so I actually overstretched. It was only minor.

"I think before the squad got announced, we had a plan [for recovery].

"The plan was to come back around the second or third game but, unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and I was pushed back a game or so.

"Of course, it's tough. They were really there for me, not just Gareth and [assistant manager] Steve [Holland] but the medical staff as well. I have a lot to thank them for."

It had been an agonising wait on the sidelines for the Manchester United defender, but he watched on in full belief that his team-mates could propel England into the latter stages of the tournament.

"It was tough. I felt more nervous watching than playing, it is quite tough,” Shaw explained.

"I never once thought that we were going to go out, we have to believe right to the end.

"Good moments like Jude's [Bellingham’s overhead kick to seal a 2-1 win against Slovakia] can happen, but it's down to us to deliver that on the pitch.

"Game by game we are getting better, there are things we can still improve on, but we're looking good."

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Video credit: SNTV

With Shaw working his way back to fitness, Kieran Trippier has filled in as a makeshift left-back after Southgate elected to omit Ben Chilwell from his squad.

When asked about being the only left-back in the squad, Shaw replied: "It surprised me a little bit, but also not really considering how good Kieran Trippier can be at left-back. I see him as left-back cover."

The 28-year-old also gave a ringing endorsement to Southgate, who has come in for some stinging criticism in light of England’s lacklustre displays in Germany.

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"I don't understand the criticism,” he added.

“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."

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