Manchester United defender Luke Shaw made his first start in five months when he featured for England in the Euro 2024 final.
Gareth Southgate knew Luke Shaw was not fully fit when he picked him for Euro 2024. But he gambled the Manchester United defender would be available for the late knockout matches.
Shaw started his first game of the tournament in the final and was given a huge task as England took on Spain.
The Manchester United defender was asked to try and keep Lamine Yamal quiet. And he can be pleased with how he performed.
Luke Shaw performance praised
Manchester United supporters were impressed with Luke Shaw’s performance in the final, despite England’s 2-1 defeat.
Both of England’s goals came down England’s right side, there wasn’t a thing Shaw could have done to prevent either.
Shaw’s performance was widely praised, with former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville commenting via ITV: “I think defensively he will be really happy against Yamal, who has been the Player of the Tournament without a shadow of a doubt.
“In one-v-one situations, Shaw has been strong. We know actually he has become a really good defender. When he was younger, you would question that a little bit, but he has actually got a lot of power, he is good in the air, he can play against players one-on-one.”
Alan Shearer also told BBC Sport early in the game: “Luke Shaw has looked good at the start of this match. He has won absolutely everything.”
Juan Mata, a pundit for the BBC, added: “Yamal hasn’t showed much this game because Luke Shaw is playing a brilliant game.”
Ian Wright added via ITV that he felt Shaw did ‘very well’ up against Yamal for the entire game.
Luke Shaw numbers v Spain
One of the notable aspects was Luke Shaw came through all 90 minutes. He should be particularly pleased with this.
Shaw had 35 touches in total but saw little of the ball in possession, attempting only 15 passes, completing 14 of them.
He won two of three tackle attempts and made four clearances, plus one interception, also winning four of six duels.
Now, Shaw will get a rest. Manchester United need him to recover from his efforts to get fit, and return for pre-season when he will join the squad for the tour of the USA.
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