Luke Shaw injury update: England given significant boost as Man Utd defender steps up recovery ahead of Euro 2024

Shaw has been sidelined since February due to a hamstring injury. The defender is an integral figure in the Three Lions dressing room as he is the only natural left-back in Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad.

According to The Telegraph, Shaw has returned to partial group training and is simultaneously following a tailor-made individual routine on the grass with the focus on regaining full fitness as quickly as possible.

Regardless of Shaw’s readiness for the tournament’s start, Southgate has prepared contingency plans. Kieran Trippier, primarily a right-back, is set to fill in as the stand-in left-back if the Manchester United player does not get ready before the campaign opener against Serbia on June 16. Another potential deputy for Shaw is Joe Gomez, who is also being considered for the left-back role in England's final friendly before the Euros, against Iceland.

The England manager faces several selection dilemmas as he prepares to submit the final roster. One such decision involves striker Ivan Toney, who has been promised game time against Iceland. Toney did not feature in the recent victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding to the suspense surrounding his inclusion in the final squad and hence his performance against Iceland could be pivotal in determining his fate. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish, who assisted Trent Alexander-Arnold and contributed to Harry Kane’s goal against Bosnia, is optimistic about his chances of making the final squad.

With the June 7 deadline for squad submission looming large, the upcoming friendly against Iceland on Friday evening might be vital in determining the final roster. Shaw’s journey back to fitness along with other key decisions involving Toney and Grealish will be the main talking points. All eyes will be on Southgate on June 7!