THINGS ARE LUKING UP
United defender a Shaw thing for an international recall after declaring his ambition to take the world by storm
IF Gareth Southgate’s mind had not been made up already, it was when he heard Luke Shaw declare he wanted to be one of the best defenders in the world.
That Shaw’s drive and determination has not been diluted by a series of setbacks since he joined Manchester United just over four years ago means he now has the chance to prove himself a key player in Southgate’s long-term plans. The England manager has been waiting for a concerted Shaw revival since giving him a cameo appearance against Germany in March last year. And Southgate has seen enough at the start of this season to become enthused again by a young man who has long been a favourite of his but has been beset by criticism from his club manager, jibes about his physical condition (top, right) and a double leg fracture in 2015.
Southgate explained: “For all young players, if you are going to be a top player then resilience is one of the key attributes you have to have. He’s displayed that.
“In terms of his maturity, he has been a little later than some of the others to pick up some of the requirements for being a top player but the great thing is that he has taken that on board.
“Not many have to deal with the type of injury he had, and with a move at a young age to a club like Manchester United, and with England at 19.
“That’s difficult for boys to adjust and adapt to but the signs we have seen are positive.
“It was great to hear him talk about wanting to be one of the best left-backs in the world.” Ashley Young,
who has made way for 23-year-old Shaw, will not have turned 35 when Euro 2020 begins but Southgate believes his club-mate possesses more of the attributes needed by a modern full-back.
Southgate went on: “Shaw has an extra edge to his game in the last couple of matches I’ve seen.
“He has shown an aggression and a desire not to lose. He’s looking back to his powerful best, going past people, which we feel is something he can add.”
Considering his key role in England’s fine World Cup campaign, Young’s omission seems a little harsh.
But Southgate was at pains to carefully explain why Young, Gary Cahill and Jamie Vardy – 33, 32 and 31 respectively – have been stood down.
He said: “We had good discussions with them in Russia and I spoke with Ashley this week.
“They have come to a point where they recognise their role in the squad and all three have been brilliant. It was a very mature discussion so I’m
pleased all three want to remain available. None want to retire from international football, partly because they don’t have an ego and don’t have to make a big announcement about retiring, also they would love to be involved, if needed, in the games that matter.
“It allows us to look to the future but we know if we have qualifiers where experience will be key, we have some excellent professionals to call on.”
A nice line but an unlikely scenario.
He might not have called on the kids but Southgate’s England remains no country for old men.