Has Shaw Got Timing Spot on Second Time Around?

From the moment that Gareth Southgate named Luke Shaw in his squad for Euro 2024, the Manchester United star was guaranteed to generate plenty of headlines.

The buccaneering defender, who played no part in pre-tournament friendlies against Bosnia and Iceland, had gone four months without kicking a ball in anger when the latest edition of UEFA’s flagship event got underway in Germany.

Shaw was short of match fitness and sharpness but was the only recognised left-back selected by the Three Lions.

There was talk of him heading home at one stage, as uncomfortable questions were asked of his international coach, but a reversal in personal fortune has been enjoyed.

Role

Shaw has found a role in England’s plans and helped to secure a major final berth that has them sat at 23/20 in Euro 2024 winner betting to end 58 years of hurt.

Getting across that line will not be easy, with Spain vs England odds suggesting that La Roja are slight favourites to inflict more misery on a success-starved nation that has become all too familiar with tales of glorious failure.

One of those was written in 2021.

Three summers ago, Shaw was front and centre as England looked to get their hands on a European Championship crown.

A dream start was made to a meeting with Italy, with the deadlock broken within two minutes.

Shaw slammed home a half-volley at Wembley Stadium to send the home support into raptures, but that would be as good as it got for the Three Lions.

It could be argued that England’s start was too good, with there always enough time on the clock for the Azzurri to stage a fightback and take the game all the way to a penalty shootout.

Having suffered an agonising fate that day, Shaw was determined to form part of a quest to right those wrongs.

He has said of pushing Euros selection close: “I was of course worried. But I had a scan and it wasn’t too bad so it was only a minor one. I knew there was still an opportunity to come back and play later on in the tournament. It was just in training. It was only minor and I’m here now.”

Shaw has had to bide his time, with patience once again the order of the day.

That persistence could be rewarded with a place in the history books and a standing among English football’s immortals.

Focus

Timing will be of the essence once again when lining up against Spain.

Tackles must be robust, not reckless. Forays forward need to be probing, rather than problematic, and complete focus must be kept at all times as blind eyes are turned to any potential distractions – while always keeping one on the clock.

England will want to ensure that they do not endure another case of peaking too soon.

Shaw has already suffered there alongside his international colleagues, but has moved through the gears better than most on German soil and will believe that he can deliver timing of the perfect variety second time around.