LUKE SHAW gave Gareth Southgate a huge boost as he returned to full England training today.
The 28-year-old Manchester United left-back has not played since injuring his hamstring for the Red Devils in February.
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Southgate gambled on Shaw’s fitness when naming his squad for Euro 2024 and so far it hasn’t worked.
The defender has not been able to train with his other teammates, who defeated Serbia 1-0 and then struggled to draw 1-1 with Denmak.
We revealed yesterday that Shaw will not take part in Tuesday’s decisive group final clash with Slovenia.
However, his return this morning could mean he will be available for England’s last 16 clash at the weekend.
Shaw’s return meant Southgate had all 26 of his players taking part in training today.
The England boss had hoped the United star could be on the bench for the second game against Denmark before starting against Slovenia.
However, he now looks set to return as a substitute for the first knockout game.
England used right-hander Kieran Trippier at left-back in Shaw’s absence.
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Next in line is Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, who is also right-handed.
Meanwhile, England could book their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 TONIGHT… if they receive a favor from a rival.
The Three Lions lead Group C with four points after the victory over Serbia and the draw with Denmark.
With the final group game against Slovenia tomorrow, Gareth Southgate’s side could finish in third place if they lose the game and Denmark beat Serbia.
Even if Serbia wins the match and equals England’s four-point tally, the Three Lions’ victory over them in the first game gives them the head-to-head advantage, which would put Harry Kane and co in second.
However, thanks to the four best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16, they may not need to worry about the outcome of the game depending on tonight’s results.
That’s because England may already have secured a place in the knockout stages following tonight’s Group B clashes between Spain v Albania and Italy v Croatia.
ENGLAND VS DENMARK RATINGS
ENGLAND drew 1-1 with Denmark.
See how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little nervous early on, although there was nothing they could do about Morten Hjulmand’s goalkeeping and he made a decent save after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
He scored England’s first goal by rounding a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll have nightmares about that forever – and setting up Kane with a deflected cross.
John’s Stones: 6
OK, but you might be wondering how he feels after barely playing for Man City in the second half of the season, plus injury and illness problems over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star
Very encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp in his interceptions and confident in his distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back as soon as possible because not having a natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experience of playing against Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his pass was misfired as it was here, barring a good ball to Saka. Substituted in the 54th minute.
Declan rice: 5
He had to cover a lot of ground as England fell in worrying fashion in the first half and also lost a couple of times in front of their defence.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not as electrifying as the first half against Serbia, but another solid performance from our right back, who has been our most consistent striker in both games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
He was much more involved than against Serbia – although it wasn’t difficult – and had some dangerous shots from distance, including one that hit the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
He scored his 64th goal for his country with an opening goal that he could not miss, but then lost the ball to the Danish marker. Surprisingly subtitled.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance in the final straight when Christian Eriksen was lurking and wasn’t afraid to put his foot down.
Ollie Watkins (in place of Kane, 70): 6
Picked up by a lovely ball from Bellingham after coming in, but was unable to finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (in place of Foden, 69): 6
He received a nasty tackle that saw Joakim Maehle receive a yellow card.
Eberechi Eze (in place of Saka, 69): 6
On his tournament debut, although he was rarely involved.
The current group standings have Spain on six points, Italy on three and Albania and Croatia on one point.
Only one Italy or Croatia can finish with four points or more.
And that means the only other way the third-placed team in Group B could finish with four points is if Albania cause a shock defeat to Spain.
England’s record is already better than Hungary, third in Group A, who have three points after a last-minute victory over Scotland last night.
Therefore, if La Roja avoid defeat to Albania, England will guarantee qualification for the next round as one of the best third-placed teams at the very least.
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