Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard were both on the same wavelength over one Manchester United star’s influence for England ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-finals in Germany.
England punched their ticket to the semi-finals at this summer’s Euros after a hard-fought win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Breel Embolo broke the deadlock in the last-eight clash on Saturday and fired Switzerland into the lead in the 75th minute of the contest.
However, England rallied back five minutes later after Arsenal star Bukayo Saka scored a sensational equaliser to cancel out Breel Embolo’s opener.
The Three Lions ultimately knocked Switzerland out of Euro 2024 with a superb showing during the penalty shootout win at the Dusseldorf Arena.
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji stepped up for Switzerland’s opening penalty and was denied from the spot-kick by Jordan Pickford.
Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all converted from the spot-kick to seal a 5-3 win on penalties for England.
Ferdinand and Lampard talk Man Utd star
Luke Shaw made his long-awaited first appearance for England at Euro 2024 after he came off the bench in the second half for the Switzerland match.
Gareth Southgate had taken the risky decision to include Luke Shaw in his England squad for the Euros, despite the Manchester United star being injured at the time.
Shaw is England’s only specialist left-back at the tournament and Southgate has missed the influence of the United defender at Euro 2024.
Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier has been used as a makeshift left-back for England while Shaw was in a race to return to full fitness for the Three Lions.
Speaking on BBC, Frank Lampard insisted that Shaw brings “balance” to England and added that he would start the United left-back for the semi-finals.
“I think if he is fit he starts,” he said, as per the Metro.
“He gives England that balance. He looked pretty good when he came on. If he’s fit, I would play him.”
Rio Ferdinand, much like Lampard, was in full agreement with the Chelsea legend over how England star Shaw brings “balance” to the Three Lions.
However, the United legend claimed that it is a “big call” on whether or not Shaw starts for England in the semi-finals, despite admitting it could still happen.
“Luke Shaw gave us that balance again,” he said.
When asked if Shaw could start the semi-final match, Ferdinand added: “Maybe. It’s a big call. Look him in the eye and ask him. If he gives you the right answer, he plays.”
Man Utd star Shaw on England return
England will face the Netherlands on 10th July ahead of potentially punching their ticket to the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on 14th July.
Luke Shaw admitted that he was thrilled to make his return to football, having missed the second half of United’s season due to an injury.
“It felt amazing, to be honest,” he said.
“It’s been a really long road. I’ve had a lot of setbacks. I think the hard work I’ve put in, especially over the last few weeks, make it worthwhile.
“Last night was a very nice moment for me and to be back on the pitch, to enjoy being back on the pitch, and to cap it off with a win was a really nice feeling for me and a very happy one.”
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