'That's a gamble' - Gareth Southgate explains why Luke Shaw made the cut for England's Euro 2024 squad instead of injured Harry Maguire - despite full-back's fitness issues

Shaw has been sidelined since February due to a persistent hamstring injury. Despite this, Southgate has decided to include him in the squad, expressing optimism about Shaw's recent progress. In contrast, Harry Maguire, Shaw’s team-mate at Manchester United and a staple in England's defensive line, was left out after failing to recover from a calf injury.

Southgate provided insights into his decision-making process regarding Shaw, saying: "He’s progressed really well in the last couple of weeks. At the moment, we think he could have some involvement in the second group game. But, of course, [he’s] got to keep hitting the markers. But he’s got a good body of work, operating at good speeds as well".

The manager further elaborated on the calculated nature of Shaw’s inclusion, stating, "I think you can take one gamble, and that [taking Shaw] is a gamble that we’ve got enough evidence to believe can pay off. And also positionally, with what he brings with his experience, the fact he’s a left-footer who can drive forward and give us another attacking option as well, that’s a situation we wanted to explore".

Maguire, who has 63 caps for England, was devastated after he lost the race against time to recover ahead of Euro 2024.

Discussing the exclusion of Maguire, Southgate explained: "Trent [Alexander-Arnold] can play both [in midfield and defence], we had nine defenders in the last couple of tournaments so I think we’re the same now. That was part of the reason we couldn’t take Maguire. We would’ve had to take a 10th defender, and that balance wouldn’t have been right, it would’ve left us short in other areas.

"Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to. The decision on Harry is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs."

Southgate's squad selection also saw the exclusion of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, while Liverpool's Jarell Quansah is on standby. The defenders who made the cut, alongside Shaw, include Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, and Kyle Walker.

With the tournament fast approaching, Southgate’s choices will soon be put to the test. England fans will be eager to see how the team performs and whether the gamble on Shaw will pay off.