Luke Shaw sends message to Gareth Southgate over starting England's Euro 2024 semi-final

07/08/2024 10:13 AM

Luke Shaw has declared himself ‘fit and ready to start’ England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

The Manchester United defender got his first minutes of the Euros in the quarter-final win over Switzerland, coming on as one of three substitutes after England went behind with 15 minutes remaining.

Bukayo Saka’s superb equaliser a few minutes later sent the quarter-final clash into extra-time and Shaw impressed in the following 30 minutes of action, leaving Frank Lampard in no doubt that he should start the semi-final should he be fit.

Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier has filled in at left-back throughout England’s Euro 2024 campaign but Shaw has told Gareth Southgate he is fit to start Wednesday’s huge game in Dortmund.

‘The last four months have been really tough,’ Shaw said on Monday afternoon. ‘At the start, I was expected to come back a lot sooner, but I went through a lot of setbacks.

‘It was really nice to get on the other night and get some minutes, I’ve been itching to get on.’

Asked if he was fit enough to start against the Dutch, Shaw added: ‘Of course, I think I am [fit and ready to play 90 minutes], that is down to Gareth’s decision. I feel fit and ready to go.’

More to follow…