- Luke Shaw has been absent since mid-February with a hamstring injury
- The Man United defender is the only recognized left back in the England squad
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Luke Shaw is nearing a return to full training in news that will provide a significant boost for Gareth Southgate.
However, Bukayo Saka’s fitness is emerging as an issue at the start of Euro 2024 after he suffered a groin injury in shooting training at the end of the season.
Shaw has not played since February due to a hamstring injury, but accelerated his training program last week in the hope of returning to full contact training by the end of the week.
The Manchester United defender is unlikely to be available to play against Serbia on Sunday, but if all goes to plan he could be included in the squad for next Thursday’s match against Denmark.
While it is hoped that Saka will be fit enough to start Sunday’s match against Serbia, there are concerns that the Arsenal star may lack match sharpness after missing the season finale against Everton after sustaining the injury while striking the ball during the training.
Luke Shaw is nearing a return to full training in a major boost for Gareth Southgate
Shaw has not played since February and he remains England’s only recognized senior left-back
However, Bukayo Saka’s fitness emerges as an issue heading into the start of Euro 2024
Under normal circumstances, Saka would be one of the first names on the England team sheet and there are hopes he will get closer to optimal fitness after a full week of training.
Southgate and his staff will keep a close eye on the 22-year-old before making a final decision on the starting XI for the game against Serbia.
Saka came on as a second-half substitute in Friday’s defeat to Iceland, meaning he has played just 25 minutes of football since May 12.
Shaw and Saka are among a group of players who have suffered from fitness issues in the run-up to the tournament.
John Stones, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane are among the players who have carried problems into the preparation.