Southgate’s squad has reportedly been leaked (Image: Getty)
Luke Shaw is reportedly set to start in England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain this evening after Gareth Southgate’s team selection was leaked hours before kick-off. The 29-year-old has been touch and go throughout this summer’s competition in Germany, after a hamstring injury sidelined him for Manchester United in February.
Knowing that the left-back was unlikely to play until the later stages of the tournament, Southgate still decided to include Shaw in his Euros squad.
And while Kieran Trippier has been playing as an out of position left-back for the majority of the tournament thus far, it appears that Southgate will rest the Magpies star in favour of a recovered Shaw this evening.
The rest of the squad looks to be mainly unchanged, with the sole switch coming in the form of Shaw for Trippier according to the Daily Telegraph.
Shaw suffered the hamstring injury during a win with Manchester United over Luton Town on February 18. The issue would cause him to miss the last 17 games of United’s season, including a coveted FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
The full-back would miss the entirety of England’s group stage of the current Euro 2024 tournament, with right-back Trippier filling in on the left-hand side against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia – as well as the round of 16 eliminator with Slovakia.
Shaw would make his return to the England squad during the Three Lions’ quarter-final match-up with Switzerland, replacing midfield maestro Kobbie Mainoo in the 78th minute.
And it was a similar state of affairs in England’s tense semi-final with the Netherlands, Shaw once more starting on the bench before being brought on for Trippier in the 46th minute with all but a full half left to play.
This evening’s final against Spain will be Shaw’s first start in an England shirt since a June 2023 clash with North Macedonia which England won a whopping 7-0.
Luke Shaw is said to be starting this evening (Image: Getty)
Shaw was instrumental in England’s title hopes at the last European Championships in 2021, firing his nation 1-0 up in the second minute of play.
Unfortunately, Leonardo Bonucci would equalise on the 67th, taking the game to extra time and ultimately penalties where Southgate’s side would meet their demise – losing 3-2 on spot kicks.
Following the news, here’s how England will line up this evening…
Jordan Pickford; John Stones, Marc Guehi, Kyle Walker; Luke Shaw, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo; Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden; Harry Kane.
The Euro 2024 final between England and Spain kicks off at 8pm from the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1923049/Luke-Shaw-England-vs-Spain-Euro-2024-final