Sports
Euro 2024 has Luke Shaw more important than ever before
Football ironies never ceases; at one point Manchester United’s Luke Shaw was seen as a ridicule but following England’s recent wobble in the Euro 2024 tournament, the chants of the English international’s name sees his popularity chart rise.
The ongoing Euro 2024 tournament has seen England grappling with a significant challenge: the absence of their star left-back, Luke Shaw. Both club and country have struggled without him, highlighting his irreplaceable role and creating a nerve-wracking situation for England as they aim for glory in Germany.
Shaw, who has been sidelined for over four months with a hamstring injury, is now poised to return for England in their crucial last-16 match against Slovakia. His absence has been acutely felt, with both Manchester United and the national team experiencing notable declines in performance without him.
For Manchester United, Shaw’s influence is clear. Last season, United won 67% of their Premier League games with Shaw on the pitch, compared to just 38% without him. The Red Devils’ struggle to find an effective replacement exacerbated their woes, with emergency loans and makeshift left-backs failing to fill the void.
England has faced a similar predicament. Since January 2023, the Three Lions have won all three matches with Luke Shaw in the lineup, but their win percentage plummeted to 50% in the 14 games without him. Manager Gareth Southgate’s gamble to include Shaw in the squad, despite his fitness concerns, underscores Shaw’s vital role.
Shaw’s potential impact extends beyond defensive stability. His attacking prowess, characterized by his ability to drive forward and create chances, has been sorely missed.
During the World Cup in Qatar, Luke Shaw averaged 1.7 chances per game, significantly higher than Kieran Trippier’s 1.0 at Euro 2024. England’s left-flank threat has diminished from 41% at the last World Cup to 37% in the current tournament.
Southgate’s decision to gamble on Shaw’s fitness reflects the team’s desperate need for balance and creativity. Shaw’s return could unlock England’s attacking potential, providing much-needed support to the misfiring Harry Kane and offering a solution to their left-sided issues.
However, concerns remain about Shaw’s sharpness and the risk of re-injury. Despite his injury-prone history, England only needs Luke Shaw fit for four crucial games. If he can replicate his form from previous major tournaments, Southgate’s gamble could prove to be a masterstroke, propelling England towards Euro 2024 success.
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