Journalist says national team ‘need’ Manchester United star ‘fit and sharp’ for Euro fixtures

England are sweating over the fitness of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw ahead of their Euro 2024 campaign kicking off on June 16.

The two Manchester United stars were named in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man squad – along with Kobbie Mainoo – despite ending the 2023/2024 campaign on the sidelines.

Maguire is currently struggling with a calf complaint, which has seen him ruled out of England’s two warm-up friendlies before they jet off to Germany. He is also a doubt to feature in their opener against Serbia, as it stands.

On the other hand, Shaw has endured another season of absolutely torrid luck on the injury front, and it’s unfortunately been a running theme throughout his United career. He was available for only 15 matches in all competitions last season, clocking up just 1,180 minutes on the pitch.

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Despite arriving at camp early to work on his fitness, Shaw was unavailable for last night’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina at St. James’ Park. The Three Lions claimed a 3-0 victory by the full-time whistle, with all goals coming in the second half.

Shaw’s absence felt deeply by Three Lions

Journalist Henry Winter took to X (Twitter) to react to the night’s affairs and illustrate just how sorely missed Shaw was in the squad.

He wrote: “Southgate looked at [Kieran] Trippier, [Ezri] Konsa and [Joe] Gomez at left-back. All tried their hardest, but a specialist left-back is needed. England need Shaw fit and sharp, even if for [the] third group-stage game.”