Luke Shaw’s performance for England against Czech Republic should have come as no surprise to anybody who watched him at Manchester United last season.
Shaw played a starring role for the Three Lions against Czech Republic, getting up and down the pitch like this was his 30th major tournament game of his career and not just his third.
The first came back in 2014 against Costa Rice, before he was brought back into the team against Scotland on Friday night. His display against Czech Republic was his best so far.
Shaw played with confidence and authority, linking up effectively with Jack Grealish when the Villa man drifted over to England’s left.
In the first half alone Shaw created two chances, more than any player during the opening 45 minutes.
Shaw’s performance made it even more bizarre Gareth Southgate had chosen to leave him out in favour of Kieran Trippier in England’s opening group game.
England lost a bit of zip in the second half and saw out the 1-0 win against a compact Czech side to reach the knockout stages.
Shaw ended the game with the two chances created, seven ball recoveries, and 86 per cent pass accuracy.
He made two clearances and won one aerial duel, also making two interceptions.
A tougher test will await England in the knockout stages, but Shaw has seemed to do enough to retain his place.
Reaction
Here is a look at some of the reaction to Shaw’s performance…
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- Ruben Amorim’s biggest wonderkid success story is ending brutally as Man Utd pre-season begins
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- Wayne Rooney’s four ‘GOAT’ picks across all sports are Man Utd and England icon’s biggest compliment ever
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