Luke Shaw provides Southgate an England choice headache forward of EURO 2024
Luke Shaw is facing a losing battle to be fit in time for the FA Cup final.
And if the Manchester United defender fails to play again this season, it could leave his chances of making the Euros in huge doubt.
Shaw has been sidelined since suffering a serious muscle injury in February.
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He had hoped to return to action before the end of the season – and targeted the Cup final against neighbours Manchester City.
(Image: Getty Images)
But the full back has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation – and is now a major doubt for the showpiece game.
His absence will leave England boss Gareth Southgate with a major dilemma ahead of naming his squad for the Finals in Germany this summer.
Southgate is short on left back options and desperate to include Shaw.
But Shaw’s long spell on the sidelines means he will be unable to play in every game, should England go deep in the tournament.
(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
England play warm-up friendlies against Bosnia on June 3 and Iceland on June 7, before jetting off to Germany three days later and kicking off the tournament against Serbia on June 16.
Southgate names his initial squad on Tuesday, and must now decide whether or not to take a gamble on Shaw, who has won 31 caps and was part of the Three Lions side which reached the Euros final back in 2021.
If he doesn’t, it means Southgate will head to the tournament with just one recognised left back, in the shape of Chelsea star Chilwell.
And it improves the chances of Southgate picking Kieran Trippier, who has provided cover in this position in the past.
United boss Erik ten Hag said: “Luke is more complicated in this moment.
“Let’s say it’s less of a chance he will make it, but he still has small chance. He had a setback, now we have to find out how bad it is.”
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has confirmed that injured duo Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are hopeful of being fit to play some part in the final.
