Euro 2024 news: Gary Neville feels England boss should ‘take a risk’ on Luke Shaw

Former England defender Gary Neville admits it will be a ‘massive risk’ for Gareth Southgate to select Luke Shaw for Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland.

But the ex Manchester United right-back feels the England boss should take a calculated gamble if United left-back Shaw is fit to face the Swiss in Dusseldorf, saying England have looked disjointed on the left flank with Kieran Trippier.

Shaw has not played any competitive football since the middle of February - but was back on the England bench for their last-16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday evening.

Southgate elected not to give Shaw any minutes, even asking Arsenal Bukayo Saka to fill in at left-back when Trippier went off injured.

The England manager played his get out of jail card against the Slovakians, who were leading 1-0 until the last minute of stoppage time, when Jude Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick to force extra time.

Captain Harry Kane then headed England into a 2-1 lead which they protected for the remainder of extra time to book a last-eight showdown with the Swiss, who shocked defending European champions Italy to keep their tournament alive.

But Neville feels Southgate, who is expected to leave his England role when his contract runs out at the end of this year, needs to start taking some risks with team selection, having seen his side stutter to four poor performances in Germany so far.

The pundit and podcaster told Sky Sports: "He was available to be used off the bench [on Sunday], he could have five days of training to put into his legs and his body before Saturday.

"It's a big risk. A fit Luke Shaw is a big asset, and the reason why maybe the left-hand side is not working as it should be is the same reason why it wasn't working at Manchester United due to Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Victor Lindelof playing there.

"Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho struggled because Shaw wasn't there linking with them and supporting them.

“It's really important and England haven't had that and suffered with it. Phil Foden has suffered with it. Shaw can overlap and underlap, but we haven't got it.

"Is it too big a risk playing Shaw on Saturday? My gut feeling is yes. But also my absolute unequivocal position is that England need to take risks, to do something and change something.

“If Southgate feels he can get a performance out of Shaw on Saturday, he will put him in, but it's a massive risk."

Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at the career of Shaw so far.

Early Career and Southampton

Youth Development: Born on July 12, 1995, in Kingston upon Thames, England, Luke Shaw kicked off his football obsession at the tender age of eight, joining Southampton’s youth academy. His talent shone brighter than a freshly polished trophy, and he zoomed through the ranks faster than a kid chasing an ice cream truck.

First Team Debut: Shaw made his grand entrance for Southampton in 2012 at just 16. His performances were so good, it was like he had a cheat code for real-life FIFA.

Move to Manchester United

Transfer to Manchester United: In June 2014, Shaw swapped his Southampton jersey for Manchester United’s iconic red, moving for a jaw-dropping £30 million. That’s right, more money than you’d find under the cushions of Scrooge McDuck’s sofa.

Early Struggles and Injury: Shaw’s early days at United were rougher than a Sunday league pitch after a rainstorm. A nasty double leg fracture in September 2015 saw him spend more time on the sidelines than actually on the pitch.

Recovery and Form: Like a superhero coming back from a brutal defeat, Shaw made a triumphant return. He shrugged off injuries like they were pesky flies, gradually proving he was worth every penny of that hefty transfer fee.

National Team Career

England Debut: Shaw debuted for the England national team in March 2014, becoming the youngest player to make an appearance for England in a World Cup squad. Not bad for a guy who was probably still getting asked for ID at pubs.

Euro 2020: Shaw’s shining moment came during the UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021 because, well, 2020). He scored the fastest goal in European Championship final history, leaving fans wondering if he’d secretly installed a turbo boost.

Achievements and Playing Style

Club Success: With Manchester United, Shaw has picked up a few shiny bits of silverware, including the UEFA Europa League and the EFL Cup. He has also bagged several personal accolades, such as the Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year.

Playing Style: Shaw (when fit) is the full package: pace, strength, defensive prowess, and a knack for joining the attack like a surprise party guest who actually brought a decent gift.

Recent Developments

Consistent Performance: Shaw has become a fixture in United’s starting line-up under various managers, proving more reliable than your grandma’s old recipe for roast potatoes.

Personal Traits and Influence

Resilience: Shaw’s career could be a Hollywood blockbuster, featuring a hero who battles back from adversity with more determination than a kid opening presents on Christmas morning.

Role Model: Now a senior player, Shaw is a beacon of professionalism, showing younger team-mates how to navigate the ups and downs of football life with a smile.

Luke Shaw’s career is a testament to his grit, tenacity and talent.

From his early promise to his dramatic comebacks, he continues to be a key player for Manchester United and England, proving that, sometimes, nice guys do finish first.

READ MORE: Euro 2024 news: England player ratings from 2-1 win over Slovakia