Manchester United icon Roy Keane has delivered a characteristically brutal assessment of Luke Shaw's Euro 2024 contribution, following the defender's long-awaited return to the pitch during England's quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
The ITV pundit didn't hold back in his criticism after Shaw managed just 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw, which England eventually won on penalties. Keane questioned the very logic behind including the injury-plagued defender in Gareth Southgate's squad.
'A Huge Ask' After Months Out
"To expect him to perform at this level after such a long layoff was always a huge ask," Keane stated bluntly in the studio. "He's obviously not fit. You could see that from the first minute. It's a major concern for the semi-final."
Shaw, who hadn't played a single minute of competitive football since February due to a persistent muscle injury, was brought on at half-time to replace Kieran Trippier. His introduction saw England switch to a back-three formation.
Keane Questions Squad Selection Logic
The former Manchester United captain went further, suggesting that selecting an unfit player impacts the entire squad dynamic. "When you're carrying players who aren't fully fit, it affects the whole group. You have to ask whether it was the right decision to bring him."
Keane's co-pundits, including Ian Wright and Gary Neville, offered a more sympathetic view, acknowledging the difficulty of Shaw's situation while recognising that England looked more balanced with a natural left-footer in that position.
Southgate's Left-Back Dilemma Continues
The debate highlights Gareth Southgate's ongoing selection headache at left-back throughout the tournament. With Shaw injured, right-footed Kieran Trippier had been filling in uncomfortably on the left flank.
All eyes will now be on whether Southgate risks starting Shaw in Wednesday's semi-final against the Netherlands in Dortmund, or reverts to his previous solutions. The England manager's left-back conundrum continues to be one of the defining stories of their Euro 2024 campaign.
