‘Quite frankly’: Int’l manager acknowledges that United star is ‘one of the best’ and ranks firmly above PL counterpart

Gareth Southgate is keeping everything crossed that he’ll have Luke Shaw at his disposal for this summer’s Euros. 

The Manchester United stalwart has endured another injury-plagued campaign at club level, which has subsequently ruled him out of the past three England camps. 

Now sidelined with what’s been confirmed as a leg issue, Shaw may have already played his final United game of the 2023/2024 campaign. It was announced in February that he would be sidelined for an extended period and there is yet to be any indication that he’s closing in on a potential return.

He has already missed 24 matches in all competitions this season, with vital fixtures of United’s run-in set to be added to the list, as he remains unavailable for such crucial contests – including an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next month. 

Of course, Southgate will have been keeping a close eye on the 28-year-old’s situation. Shaw has always been one of the England boss’ most trusted lieutenants and was pivotal in recent tournaments, so is expected to be this time around. 

Southgate fretting over Shaw’s involvement 

But his involvement in the upcoming competition is currently up in the air. Shaw might not be fit in time to make the trip to Germany and even if he was, the manager isn’t expecting him to feature too heavily.

“He’s going to be right on the edge of the season,” Southgate said of the experienced defender after Saturday’s narrow defeat to Brazil. “We know now to play seven matches in a Euros is highly unlikely.

“I thought Ben [Chilwell] defended really well and it was an important game for him. I don’t want to kill Ben. But Luke’s one of the best left-backs in world football, frankly.”