Luke Shaw handed Gareth Southgate a much-needed boost this morning by taking part in team training at England’s base in Blankenhain.
The Manchester United defender has trained alone so far during his time in Germany as he attempts to overcome a hamstring injury that has kept him out since February.
His inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2024 raised eyebrows but it is hoped he can now build up his fitness and play some part in the competition.
Shaw’s absence has been keenly felt by England who have looked disjointed down their left-hand side in the games against Serbia and Denmark.
All 26 #ThreeLions players are set to be involved in today’s training session 💪@_DeclanRice will join Gareth Southgate for our pre-match media conference in Cologne later on. pic.twitter.com/iDIoKph5bV
— England (@England) June 24, 2024
Kieran Trippier, normally a right-back, has filled in but has failed to offer much threat going forward, particularly with Phil Foden drifting into a more central position.
Trippier is set to keep his place for tomorrow night’s game with Slovenia, although Southgate could make changes in midfield with the experiment of playing Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice not yet paying off.
England have taken four points from their two games but have failed to convince with two drab performances that have led to a wave of criticism.
A win in Cologne will see them advance as group winners but Southgate is not expecting an easy evening.
He said of Slovenia: “They have a different profile of player, so we’ve got to be prepared for the challenges that Slovenia will bring, and some very good players, as we know, in particular in those attacking areas.
“[We need a] little bit more structural discipline to our positioning, a little bit more composure when we’re in moments of transition… and a bit more belief in the quality that we have.
“We are very aware that our performances need to improve, but in terms of points and goals, we’re in a very similar situation to the last Euro and we’re comfortable with that.”
