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LUKE SHAW handed Gareth Southgate a huge boost by returning to full England training today.
The Manchester United left-back, 28, has not played since injuring his hamstring for the Red Devils in February.
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ReutersSouthgate gambled on the fitness of Shaw when naming his Euro 2024 squad and so far it has not worked.
The defender has been unable to train along with the rest of his team-mates, who have beaten Serbia 1-0 and then struggled to a 1-1 bore draw with Denmak.
We revealed yesterday that Shaw will not feature in Tuesday’s crunch final group clash with Slovenia.
However, his return this morning could mean that he may be available for England’s last-16 clash at the weekend – should they make it.
Shaw’s comeback meant that Southgate had all 26 of his players taking part today in training.
The England manager had hoped that the United star would have been able to go on the bench the second match against Denmark before starting against Slovenia.
However, he now looks set to return as sub for the first knockout game.
England have used right-footed Kieran Trippier at left-back in Shaw’s absence.
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The next in line is Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, who is also right-footed.
Left-back has not been the only problem area for Southgate so far at the tournament, with both Phil Foden in front of him and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s displays in midfield coming under scrutiny.
That has led to calls for the likes of Anthony Gordon to go wide and either Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton to step into the middle.
Meanwhile, England could secure their spot in the last-16 of Euro 2024 TONIGHT… if they are done a favour by a rival.
The Three Lions are top of Group C on four points after the win over Serbia and the draw with Denmark.
With the final group game against Slovenia tomorrow, Gareth Southgate’s side could end up in third place if they lose the game and Denmark beat Serbia.
Even if Serbia win their match and equal England‘s tally of four points, the Three Lions’ win over them in game one gives them the advantage on head-to-head record, which would put Harry Kane and Co in second.
However, thanks to the four best third-place teams progressing to the Round of 16, they may not need to worry about the result of the game depending on results tonight.
AFPENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGS
ENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.
That is because England may have already secured a spot in the knockout stages following the Group B clashes of Spain vs Albania and Italy vs Croatia tonight.
The current standings in the group have Spain on six points, Italy on three and Albania and Croatia on one point.
Only one of Italy or Croatia can end on four points or more.
And this means the only other way the third place team in Group B can end on four points is if Albania cause a shock defeat to Spain.
England’s tally is already superior to that of Group A’s third-place nation Hungary, who sit on three points after a last-gasp winner against Scotland last night.
Therefore, if La Roja avoid defeat against Albania, England will secure qualification to the next round as one of the best third place nations at the bare minimum.
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