Luke Shaw's Injury Could Impact England's Performance in Euro 2024

Luke Shaw is facing uncertainty over his participation in England's upcoming match against Slovenia due to a lingering hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for five months. Despite missing recent training sessions, Shaw remains hopeful of playing a role in the tournament. England's medical team will assess his fitness for Monday's training session, but doubts persist over his availability for the Slovenia game. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag previously suggested Shaw would not be ready until the knockout stages, raising questions about his inclusion in the squad. Shaw's absence from training sessions has raised concerns about his match fitness and potential risk of injury if rushed back into action during the knockout rounds. England manager Gareth Southgate had initially planned to ease Shaw back into the team gradually, with hopes of using him as a substitute in the final group game. However, Shaw's lack of playing time since February has cast doubt on his readiness for competitive matches. The decision to include Shaw in the squad over other left-back options like Ben Chilwell or Tyrick Mitchell has come under scrutiny. Despite ongoing assessments by England's medical staff, Shaw's return timeline remains uncertain, with doubts lingering over his ability to contribute effectively in the tournament. Southgate faces a dilemma over whether to risk Shaw's involvement in crucial matches or rely on alternative options like Kieran Trippier at left-back. The inclusion of versatile players like Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa in the squad provides additional options for Southgate, but their lack of playing time raises questions about England's defensive depth.