Opinion of Luke Shaw, the English midfielder's national team colleague, ahead of the European Championship semifinals, where they will face the Netherlands.
Embed from Getty Images
Luke Shaw previewed the England national team's match against the Netherlands (Wednesday at 20:00) in the semifinals of Euro 2024, which will take place a day after the other semifinal between Spain and France.
In a press conference, the Manchester United left-back began by defending the English coach, Gareth Southgate, who has been criticized throughout the tournament for the team's unconvincing performances. England needed penalties and extra time to eliminate Switzerland and Slovakia in the quarterfinals and round of 16, respectively.
"I don't understand the criticism. What he has done for our country and players... he has taken us to the next level. No coach has been as successful as he has been recently. We, the players, love him and he is exactly what we need. He allows us to get on the field and do our best. He showed a lot of faith and confidence by calling me up," praised Shaw, who missed England's first four games in the tournament due to injury.
Another topic that came up during the conversation with journalists was the possibility of Jude Bellingham winning the next Ballon d'Or if England wins Euro 2024. This speculation comes after a stellar debut season for the Real Madrid midfielder, in which he also won his first Champions League and became the Spanish champion.
"Of course, he had an incredible season. He won the Champions League and La Liga; adding the European Championship to that, why not?" responded the defender, continuing his praise for his 21-year-old compatriot: "His progress has been truly remarkable. When he first joined the [England national team], you could see the talent and mentality he had. He has remained humble, is brilliant under pressure, and has already shown what he is capable of."
Regarding the Netherlands, Shaw highlighted the quality of the team coached by former Benfica manager Ronald Koeman, stating that "they have no vulnerabilities."
"They are a very good team, well-coached, but we just need to focus on ourselves. We have confidence in our own abilities, the draw doesn't matter. We just have to do our job. It will be a very big game and I think it will be good. The most important thing is that we win games and advance to the next round. Whether people like it or not, we are winning with our style of play and we are in the semifinals," he concluded.
Shaw's statements reflect the confidence and unity within the English camp. Despite the external criticisms, the players remain steadfast in their support for Southgate and their belief in the team's potential. Shaw's defense of Southgate underscores the respect and trust the players have in their coach, who has led them to the semifinals amidst a challenging tournament.
The focus on Bellingham's potential Ballon d'Or win highlights the young midfielder's rapid rise to prominence. His contributions at Real Madrid and his impact on the national team have positioned him as one of the standout players of his generation. Shaw's comments suggest a recognition of Bellingham's exceptional talent and the high expectations placed on him.
As England prepares for the crucial semifinal clash against the Netherlands, Shaw's remarks about focusing on their own strengths and abilities emphasize the team's strategy of playing to their own strengths rather than being overly concerned with their opponents. This mindset has carried them through tight matches, and they hope it will propel them to the final.
Overall, Shaw's insights provide a glimpse into the team's morale, strategic approach, and the significant roles individual players and the coach play in their pursuit of European glory. The anticipation builds as fans and pundits alike look forward to a thrilling semifinal showdown.
