- Luke Shaw has been absent with a hamstring injury since the middle of February
- The Man United defender is the only recognised left back in England’s squad
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Luke Shaw is closing in on a return to full training in news that will arrive as a significant boost to Gareth Southgate.
However, Bukayo Saka’s fitness is emerging as an issue heading into the start of Euro 2024 after he suffered a groin injury in shooting practice at the end of the season.
Shaw hasn’t played since February due to hamstring injury but accelerated his training programme last week amid hope he can return to full contact training by the end of the week.
It is unlikely the Manchester United defender will be available to play against Serbia on Sunday but if all goes according to plan he could be named in the squad to face Denmark next Thursday.
Meanwhile, while the hope is Saka will be fit enough to start the game against Serbia on Sunday, there are concerns the Arsenal star is lacking match sharpness after missing the season finale against Everton after sustaining the injury whilst striking the ball in training.
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In normal circumstances, Saka would be one of the first names on the team-sheet for England and there is a hope a full week of training will see him move closer to optimum condition.
Southgate and his staff will keep a close eye on 22-year-old before taking a final decision on the starting XI for the game against Serbia.
Saka came on as second half substitute in Friday’s loss against Iceland meaning he has played just 25 minutes of football since May 12.
Shaw and Saka are among a clutch of players to have suffered with fitness issues heading into the tournament.
John Stones, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane are among the players who have carried issues into the preparations.