Manchester United and England defender Luke Shaw has expressed regret over accepting manager Erik ten Hag’s request to play in a match that could potentially jeopardize his Euro 2024 dream. Shaw is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, and England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that he will not be fit in time for England’s first group game against Serbia. With fellow Manchester United defender Harry Maguire already ruled out due to injury, Shaw’s return would greatly enhance England’s chances of winning their first major tournament since 1966. However, Shaw has not played for almost four months after aggravating his hamstring injury in a match against Luton Town on February 18.
Shaw had initially suffered a hamstring problem the week before against Aston Villa but was asked by Ten Hag and United’s medical staff to play against Luton. He now regrets agreeing to do so. “I felt something against Aston Villa and came off at half-time at Villa Park,” Shaw explained. “It’s kind of everyone’s fault. Partly my fault, partly medical staff, I think everyone would admit that. I didn’t train the whole week. The scan came back and there wasn’t too much there. But I didn’t train all week, then trained the day before the game. If the manager asks me to play, I’m never going to say no. I shouldn’t have played.”
Shaw wants to clarify the confusion surrounding his fitness issues after being included in England’s provisional Euros squad on May 21, only to miss the FA Cup final due to injury. “No one knows the situation, what’s been happening,” Shaw said. “I think people have seen that there was a setback, but I was actually very close to returning to team training. I was, of course, pushing to try and get back for the games and the final and I think I pushed too hard. I came back too quick and I actually ended up getting another injury in my hamstring, which was three weeks from the final and they said it was a six-week injury, so that’s why there was that setback.”
In a recent interview, Manchester United player Luke Shaw addressed the confusion surrounding his fitness status. He revealed that he had been pushing himself to be fit for United, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. This led to questions from fans about how he could be fit for England but not for his club. Shaw clarified that his main priority is to do everything he can for United and wanted to set the record straight about his situation.
Shaw expressed his disappointment and acknowledged that the questions were playing on his mind. He wanted to make it clear that he was not neglecting his club duties for the national team. He emphasized that he had been working hard throughout the season to be fit for United and that his absence was not a result of neglect or favoritism towards England.
When asked about his chances of playing in England’s opening Euro 2024 game against Serbia, Shaw stated that he is taking it day by day and assessing his fitness levels in training. While he would love to be able to participate in the first game, he is cautious about rushing his recovery. He understands that he only has one chance and doesn’t want to risk aggravating his injury.
Looking ahead, England will be facing Denmark and Slovenia in their Euro campaign. Their goal is to top Group C and advance to the knockout stages. Shaw’s focus is on his recovery and contributing to the team’s success in the tournament. He is determined to do everything he can to be fit and ready to make a positive impact for both his club and country.
