Luke Shaw is expected to start on the bench for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against Netherlands, with Kieran Trippier in line to keep his place in the starting XI.
Some fans and pundits had called for Shaw to be thrown in from the start at left wing-back after he made an impressive impact as a late substitute in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland.
Shaw is the only naturally left-footed defender in England’s squad, but various setbacks in his recovery from a muscle injury have delayed his involvement.
Sky Sports News has been told Southgate has concerns over whether Shaw could last the full 90 minutes, having played 42 minutes in the previous round, and with his only competitive involvement almost five months before that, back in mid-February.
It is also thought that the England manager believes Trippier’s defensive prowess could be vital against Netherlands’ attacking options – especially the pacey Denzel Dumfries, who tends to take up the position of an extra winger on the right side when the Dutch have the ball.
Kieran Trippier is set to retain his place for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final
Southgate also spoke glowingly of the role Trippier has played for his country in numerous big matches in major tournaments.
In his pre-match news conference, Southgate said: “He (Shaw) gives us balance. But Kieran Trippier has done a fantastic job.
“He’s played in so many important nights for us over the last seven or eight years. But also around the squad and how he is. We’re very fortunate to have him.”