Frank Lampard believes Gareth Southgate has greatly missed Luke Shaw’s presence at Euro 2024, noting that the lack of balance and attacking threat on the left flank has become a significant issue.
Despite Shaw being included in England’s 26-man squad for the summer tournament, he hasn’t played for Manchester United since mid-February due to a serious hamstring injury.
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This injury has sidelined Shaw for England’s first two group-stage matches in Germany, with Kieran Trippier taking his place on the left side of Southgate’s defense against Serbia and Denmark.
Although England has advanced to the knockout stage, their performances have been criticized by fans, pundits, and former players for being disjointed and lacking cohesion, particularly affecting Harry Kane and his teammates.
In a potential boost for England, Shaw was seen back in training on Monday as all 26 squad members were prepared for their match against Slovenia in Cologne.
Southgate confirmed Shaw would not play against Slovenia but expressed hope that the former Southampton full-back could return for the next match, where England will compete for a quarter-final spot.
Reflecting on the side’s poor displays thus far, ex-England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘Not having a natural left-sided left-back has been a big deal for him because that felt really good to me watching the last tournaments when Luke Shaw was there.
‘Luke Shaw was much more offensive on that side of the pitch and we could have a balance where Kyle Walker could stay more and create this three at the back.
‘And then you would have the two and get the offensive players between the lines with the threat on the left-hand side.
‘We’ve lacked that and that’s a problem that he’s going to want to solve.
‘I think you can probably get away with right-footed centre-backs on both sides if the left-sider is comfortable enough that they can make the right pass,’ Lampard added.
‘I think Marc Guehi is to be fair, I know Marc well, and he can certainly find the right time to play into midfield or out to a full-back.
‘I think Trippier is a fantastic player who has shown that for club and country but you’re just asking different attributes to players.
‘People might say, “You’re just talking about a left-back”, but in the modern day when we’re watching how the German team play and both full-backs are so advanced, their style, how they play. It’s important you get those bits right.
‘Those small details are massively important so it’s obviously something that has come upon Gareth. He’s tried to get Luke Shaw fit, obviously that’s not quite happening at the minute.
‘But it’s not just as simple as saying, “That’s just one player”, as that affects the whole balance of the team.
‘Maybe then it’s about what the other solution is. Can we get some more real high attacking width on that side that stays wide. That maybe gives you more dynamic runs in behind. I think that’s certainly something he might look at.’
Lampard – who was capped 106 times by the Three Lions – is delighted by the start Guehi has made to the tournament.
‘I’m delighted for him. I gave him his debut at Chelsea. He’s a really polite, humble lad,’ he continued.
‘You could see that he had all the attributes that could take him a long way, particularly the personality. He wanted to do well.
‘I really liked the idea of working with him at that time because when a young kid comes through with that humility and wants to do well, that’s an amazing to work with as a coach.
‘But to go away and play as he played at Palace and to come into an England squad with the high pressure of playing. Everyone’s going, “Oh, we’re not sure!”, but he’s now one position we’re not talking about which is an amazing achievement from him.’
