Shaw return gives England options but also a headache

After 438 minutes of England's Euro 2024 campaign, the only specialist left-back in the squad finally made his entrance.

- KARL MATCHETT

Gareth Southgate introduced Luke Shaw as part of a triple substitution as the Three Lions chased the game in the quarterfinal against Switzerland; soon afterwards the tie was levelled, penalties ensued and those in white jerseys were left celebrating after a perfect five from five.

Progress was, of course, the singular objective of the night in Dusseldorf; England continue their adventure in Germany and, as the manager was at pains to point out afterwards, are now in their third semi-final in four tournaments.

But as attention immediately turns to an upcoming semi-final against the Netherlands, Southgate may feel his triple change gave him more than merely a way back into that game in isolation. England, after all, looked far more balanced following those alterations and naturally had more energy with fresh legs – not to mention the need to score or face an exit in defeat.

In turn, that may give Southgate pause for thought when considering his line-up to face the Dutch, both in personnel and tactical terms – and it is Shaw who is central to much of this.

Chosen in the 26-man squad on the belief that he would be recovered from injury and fit in time for the final group-stage game, Shaw has instead had to look on as Kieran Trippier – and a succession of later in-game changes – filled the void on the left of the defence. Southgate has had to validate his selection and repeatedly explain altered timetables for his return, with Shaw himself stating somewhat earlier than his manager that he was good to go and ready to contribute.