Manchester United defender Luke Shaw recently admitted that playing in their game against Luton Town in February while dealing with a hamstring injury was a mistake. Now, as he races against time to be fit for England’s opening game of the European Championship against Serbia on June 16, Shaw is facing the consequences of his decision. England manager Gareth Southgate has labeled his selection for the squad as a “gamble,” and Shaw himself acknowledges that he should have listened to his body and sat out the game that ultimately led to worsening his injury.
The 28-year-old defender, who has been a part of Manchester United for a decade, faced criticism from fans who questioned his commitment to the club following his inclusion in the England squad. This scrutiny came after Shaw played only 15 games for United in the previous season. Shaw, in response, expressed his disappointment at the backlash and explained his perspective on the situation. He emphasized that while he will never turn down an opportunity to play when asked by the manager, in hindsight, he recognizes that his eagerness to return to the field prematurely was a mistake.
As Shaw continues his recovery process with the hope of featuring in England’s crucial match against Serbia, he remains cautious about pushing himself too hard too soon. He admits that his ultimate goal is to be ready for the opening game, but he understands the importance of being patient and listening to his body. Shaw acknowledges that he has only one chance to be fully fit for the tournament and does not want to risk further setbacks by rushing his return.
In light of England’s recent 1-0 defeat against Iceland in their last Euros warm-up game, Shaw sees a silver lining in the loss. He believes that it served as a wake-up call for the team, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead in the competition. Shaw reflects on the tough road ahead and emphasizes the need for the team to regroup and refocus as they prepare to face formidable opponents in the upcoming matches.
Leave a Reply