The Three Lions will take on the Netherlands in Wednesday’s semi-final.
England manager Gareth Southgate has reportedly made a huge call on who will start at left-wing back for their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
The Three Lions haven’t been at their sparkling best this summer but they secured their place in the semi-final with a 5-3 penalty victory over Switzerland.
There were a number of standout moments from Saturday’s game, including the much-anticipated return of Luke Shaw, who was brought on in the 78th-minute.
It marked his first competitive appearance since suffering an injury for Manchester United in their February clash against Luton Town.
After the full-time whistle, Shaw said he is fit and ready to play 90 minutes at Euro 2024.
“The last four months have been really tough,” Shaw said. “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.”
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That being said, Shaw is expected to remain on the bench for the start of Wednesday’s match in Dortmund, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.
Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, is in line to keep his place at left wing-back as Southgate believes his defensive prowess could be vital against the Dutch.
Southgate also has doubts whether Shaw could complete the full 90 minutes.
Image credit: Getty
Southgate opened up about his options ahead of the game, and mentioned Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier in his comments.
“I’m very fortunate to have a fabulous group of players, and we’ve always worked as a team,” he said.
“When we talk about games we’ve done, it’s always reviewed as how the players and ourselves as staff can do better.
“This time, it’s [noteworthy] how the group has bonded. We’ve had 21 who have been on the pitch and none have been dead rubbers or unimportant [appearances].
“Luke has been injured for four months, so it wasn’t a possibility to play earlier, but [against Switzerland] he made a good contribution. He gives us balance with the team, but Kieran has done a fantastic job.
“[Trippier has] played in big nights for us over seven or eight years, and he’s been so important in those occasions and around the squad and staff.”
England supporters spot scary detail in Harry Kane selfie after Switzerland game (an)
Harry Kane took to social media after England beat Switzerland at Euro 2024.
Fans have been completely thrown by Harry Kane’s selfie following England’s dramatic penalty shootout victory against Switzerland.
England beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties to book their spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who gave a brilliant post-match interview, all converted their spot-kicks.
Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s penalty as he revealed that he was stopped from doing his ‘usual process’ by the match referee following the quarter-final clash.
Roy Keane’s reaction to Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick vs Slovakia has gone viral (an)
And Pickford was the talk of Kane’s selfie that he posted on social media.
The England captain took to X to react to his side’s stunning victory over the Swiss.
He posted a picture of himself alongside Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw and Pickford, who looked unrecognisable.
The image shows the Everton star without any product in his hair, leaving fans shocked over his appearance and joked that he morphed with Anthony Gordon.
Image: X/Harry Kane
One X user wrote: “Sees Pickford with everyday hair. *Rubs eyes*.”
A second tweeted: “Is that Pickford & Gordon?”
A third added: “I know I ain’t the only one tweaking right now.”
A fourth said: “Pickford without slicked back hair is a whole different person.”
Another joked: “Why have Gordon and Pickford merged together.”
Pickford and Co. resume their campaign next Wednesday when they take on the Netherlands for a spot in the final of Euro 2024.
One England player ‘refused to celebrate’ penalty shootout win as telling reaction spotted (an)
An England player did not immediately celebrate the penalty shoot-out triumph against Switzerland.
One England player appeared to initially refuse to celebrate the penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland.
Following a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes of action, the Three Lions emerged victorious via spot-kicks in Dusseldorf.
Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all kept their cool to convert past Yann Sommer.
Helped by a water bottle containing key information on takers, Jordan Pickford made a superb save to deny Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji and ultimately set up a semi final showdown with the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Alexander-Arnold scored the winning spot-kick and sparked incredible scenes behind the goal.
Players quickly rushed over to the Liverpool star but one player refrained from doing so.
Images shared online showed Luke Shaw showing his class after Alexander-Arnold made no mistake from the spot.
Image: Getty
Instead of sprinting over along with his teammates, the Manchester United defender’s first thought was to go over to the Swiss players and console the likes of Granit Xhaka and Akanji.
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According to the Daily Express, Shaw attempted to shake hands with as many opposition players as possible.
Image: X/@Jonny_Singer
He did then join the rest of the players and was seen embracing Pickford.
Having been out of action since February due to a hamstring injury, the Southampton youth product made his first appearance of Euro 2024 after entering the fray in the 78th minute.
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His selection for the tournament was seen as a major gamble by fans and many viewed it as a pointless call after he missed a number of training sessions and matches.
Image: Getty
But Shaw managed more than half an hour on Saturday and gave the team a new type of balance on the left side of the backline.
And Frank Lampard believes Shaw, scorer in the Euro 2020 final, will get the nod for the semi final.
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Speaking on BBC One, Lampard said: “If Luke Shaw is fit, he starts. He’s Gareth’s man. If he’s fit, I would play him for the balance of the team.”
