England are into the European Championship final once again after beating Netherlands 2-1 in a nail biting encounter.
The Three Lions, after receiving criticism for most of the tournament, have made it to the final as Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins both scored to take Gareth Southgate’s men to the final.
They will face high-flying Spain in the final, who have made it to the big match after beating Germany in the quarterfinal and France in the semifinal.
It is another successful campaign for Southgate and his team who have made it to their second successive Euro final.
England had a number of impressive performers and Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo was up there with the best players on the pitch.
His calm and composed presence in the midfield was praised globally and he was appreciated even by rival fans on social media for his remarkable outing.
However, there is a huge concern about another Man United player, who came on as a substitute against the Netherlands.
Luke Shaw came on to the pitch at halftime by replacing Kieran Trippier but he hasn’t played much football recently due to fitness issues.
The left-back is still making his way back to full fitness but he has shown how important he is for the Three Lions.
ESPN pundit Craig Burley has claimed that Shaw will face a difficult time against the Spanish team in the final, particularly against in-form Lamine Yamal, as his recovery has been slow and he has not played enough football.
He said on ESPN:
“Luke Shaw didn’t have anything [during his 45 minutes vs Netherlands after coming off the bench]. Southgate clearly thinks he’s not fit enough to start the game and play the full 90 minutes.
“Shaw against fresh, fit, quick players, particularly the Spanish, like Lamine Yamal, he’s not ready for it.”
England need Man United defender’s left-footedness
It remains to be seen who starts for England in the final in the left-back position but there is no doubt that Shaw provides the team something they lack.
He provides them width on the left side, support to the winger ahead of him and the fact that he is a natural left-back gives him edge over Trippier, who is a right-back playing in that position.
England would need Shaw’s experience and ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch in the final against Spain.
