Luke Shaw is baffled by Gareth Southgate's criticism and says England players “love him”.
Southgate has been criticized for the Three Lions' displays during Euro 2024 but still guided the team to a third semi-final in the last four major tournaments.
Shaw, who returned from a hamstring injury in Saturday's penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland, is in contention for the start of the last four against the Netherlands.
Asked about Southgate, the Manchester United defender said: “I don't understand the criticism. What he has done for the country and for us players has taken us to another level. No manager has been as successful as him in recent times.
“We players love him, he is exactly what we need. It allows us to go outside the arena and be our best selves. He showed great faith and trust in me by choosing me.”
Rest, recover and check in on Wednesday 👊 pic.twitter.com/2IeJ6xrsF3
– England (@England) July 7, 2024
Shaw not a good watch
Shaw admitted that the past few months had been difficult and said he had been pushed to work harder by watching England's first four games in Germany from the sidelines.
“The last four months have been really difficult,” he added. “Initially, I was expected to return early, but I faced many obstacles. It was really nice to come in the other night and get minutes, I've been itching.
“Yes, I think I am [fit and ready to play 90 minutes], that depends on Gareth's decision. I feel fit and ready to go.
“It was strange. It was also difficult, going to games, feeling the atmosphere, not wearing a shirt or being involved in games was difficult, but that motivated me a lot to work hard.
“The situation in those games inspired me.
“I was happy to be back, but the priority was to help us get back into the game and go through.”
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England face a tough test against the Dutch
Shaw expects a tough game against the Netherlands, who defeated Turkey in the quarterfinals on Saturday night.
He said: “They are a really good team, they are trained really well, but we have to focus on what we are doing.
“It's a big, big game. I think it will be a really good game.
“The important thing is to win the games and move on to the next round. Whether people like it or not, the way we play, we win games and enter the semi-finals.”
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