Manchester United star Luke Shaw has reacted to Gareth Southgate leaving his role as England head coach in the aftermath of Spain’s Euro 2024 final win.
Gareth Southgate led England to back-to-back European Championship tournaments, only for the former Three Lions boss to fall short on both occasions.
England reached the final of this summer’s Euros after a 2-1 comeback win against the Netherlands at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund last week.
The Three Lions were tipped as one of the tournament favourites ahead of Euro 2024 in Germany, but England underwhelmed with their overall performances.
Spain lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy on Sunday evening after a 2-1 win over England in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams broke the deadlock for Spain early in the second half before Chelsea star Cole Palmer scored a crucial equaliser for England.
However, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s advantage late in the second half and ensured La Roja ended their stunning Euro 2024 campaign undefeated.
Shaw speaks out after England defeat
Former England boss Gareth Southgate took the risky decision to include Luke Shaw in his Three Lions squad for the UEFA tournament in Germany.
Shaw was England’s only specialist left-back in the squad and had missed the second half of the season at Manchester United due to an injury.
Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier filled in as a makeshift left-back during Shaw’s time on the sideline, with the United star racing to recover from his injury.
Shaw missed all three of England’s Group C matches at Euro 2024 and the 2-1 comeback win against Slovakia in the round of 16.
However, the 29-year-old United left-back made cameo appearances in the penalty shootout win against Switzerland and victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Shaw’s first start at the tournament came in the 2-1 defeat against Spain in the final, with Kieran Trippier making way for the United star in the starting XI.
The United defender took to Instagram and sent a clear-cut message to England fans after the Three Lions fell short of the Henri Delaunay trophy.
“Gutted to have been so close again,” Shaw wrote.
“I honestly believe we have the best fans in the world and I wish we could have given you the celebrations you deserve, for the support and travelling you do we appreciate it all. I know this team will get there.”
Shaw reacts to Southgate’s England exit
Southgate on Tuesday confirmed that he would step down from his role as England boss ahead of his contract expiring with the Three Lions in December.
Shaw sent a heartfelt message to the former England boss and thanked Southgate for the “many amazing memories” that he brought to the Three Lions.
The United star continued: “Gareth, you put everything into this team and brought this nation together with so many amazing memories!
“I will always be grateful for the highs and the lows because no matter what you kept us believing we could. You’re one of the best there ever was! Thank you boss.”
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