The majority of England’s players selected in their provisional Euro 2024 squad joined up at St George’s Park ahead of their two upcoming friendlies before Gareth Southgate names his final 26-man party
Gareth Southgate insists Luke Shaw is “hugely committed” to getting himself fit for the Euros.
Shaw and Manchester United team mate Harry Maguire both face a race against time to get ready for the final 26-man squad to go to Germany this summer.
England left-back Shaw is facing the biggest uphill battle of all as he has not played since February and missed the end of the season after a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Shaw is a major worry because England have such a shortage of left-back options and his chances of making the plane are being seen as “50-50.”
Three Lions boss Southgate said: “ Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire have had injuries at the end of the season with Man United so they needed a little bit more work with our medical team but they are both hugely committed to trying to be fit for the tournament.
“They realise every day is important. Now we get a chance to see exactly where they are and that is the key. During the season we get information from the clubs, but until you get the players in front of you and medics can get their hands on them and see them on the grass you get a much clearer picture.”
Shaw and Maguire both reported for England duty on Tuesday at their base at Middlesbrough’s training ground ahead of the friendly with Bosnia & Herzegovina at Newcastle on Monday. Harry Kane joined up on Wednesday with a raft of other players while the Manchester City and United stars who took part in the FA Cup final – together with Real Madrid ’s Jude Bellingham who will play in the Champions League final – will get extra time off.
It has opened the door for new call-ups and Southgate championed the improvement of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones who he says made big progress this season. Crystal Palace ’s Adam Wharton is also in the group but that may be more for experience in the longer term.
Southgate added: “I have picked up with some of the boys, slightly different journeys over the last two years, Curtis we watched all of last summer with our U21s and he had very good spells during this season.
“He then missed spells with injury and a very unfortunate red card and at the end of the season just dropped out of Liverpool’s team. But we saw enough during the season to be excited about what he might be able to do and what he can bring to the group.”
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