GARETH SOUTHGATE might keep his World Cup plans a mystery, but Luke Shaw is certain that he will travel to Qatar.
Southgate, England’s boss refuses to reveal the identities of the 55 players he chose to form his traveling party. He will then narrow it down to 26 names next year.
2
2
Shaw, Manchester United defender, will know deep down that he can pack his bag once he regains his form.
And that wasn’t something he could have said with any certainty not so very long ago after finding himself out in the Old Trafford cold.
Dropped after United’s disastrous start to the season following back to back defeats by Brighton and Brentford, Shaw suddenly found himself playing second fiddle to summer signing Tyrell Malacia.
But although results gradually improved for new boss Erik ten Hag, his team still weren’t exactly rock solid at the back.
Ten Hag couldn’t help but recall Shaw from the Manchester City humiliating defeat of 6-3.
Shaw has been a credit to United, as he has demonstrated a newfound resilience in the last weeks.
Shaw gave another stellar performance against Ben Chilwell of the Three Lions, to keep his team on par with their top four rivals.
And just when it looked as the brainless penalty conceded by sub Scott McTominay was going to derail the United revival, it was Shaw who came up with the priceless stoppage-time assist for Casemiro’s dramatic last-gasp equaliser.
SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS – THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGS
Although Chilwell began the match as a wingback and was more comfortable getting forward than orthoxox leftback Shaw, it was the United player who presented the greater attacking threat in the first half.
With only nine minutes remaining, he surged into space and tried his luck from faraway with a low shot that flew just short of the far post.
Minutes later he helped to tee up Antony for the game’s first shot on target.
He was twice as clever with his forward passes that he deserved to be able to pick Jadon and Marcus Rashford, who were both too slow to return from offside positions.
It is clear that Shaw, now in his ninth season at United, has taken Ten Hag’s words to heart and accepted that his days of coasting along are over.
He didn’t fuss over being demoted to the bench like Cristiano Ronaldo. Instead, he acknowledged that he needed more from his game.
He is now reaping the rewards of his hard work, as he has proven that he can match anyone when he is doing it right.
Shaw was alert against the danger when Shaw faced England team-mates Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Raheem Sterling.
Shaw made the crucial clearing header when Sterling had a rare glimpse of goal just 10 minutes after break.
He was always looking for a teammate when he received the ball.
And at a time when England defenders are dropping like flies, Shaw’s timely return to form is a rare bit of good news for Southgate.