Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has suggested that the Three Lions of England are missing the presence of left-back Luke Shaw at Euro 2024.
England manager Gareth Southgate included Shaw in the squad, but the Manchester United star is yet to feature in the tournament. Shaw has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since February, which has prevented him from playing for both his club and country.
The injury has kept Shaw out of England’s first two matches at Euro 2024, and Lampard believes his absence has had a significant impact on the team’s performance. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 (via Metro), Lampard expressed his concerns about the missing left-back.
“Not having a natural left-sided left-back has been a big deal for him [Southgate] because that felt really good to me watching the last tournament when Luke Shaw was there,” Lampard said.
Lampard highlighted Shaw's offensive capabilities, which have been sorely missed by England in the current tournament. “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," he added.
The Chelsea legend elaborated on the tactical advantage Shaw provided during previous tournaments. With Shaw on the left, England could maintain a balanced formation, allowing Kyle Walker to stay back and form a three-man defense. This setup offered both defensive stability and offensive threats.
“And then you would have the two and get the offensive players between the lines with the threat on the left-hand side. We have lacked that and that is a problem that he [Southgate] is going to want to solve,” Lampard explained.
Shaw’s ability to push forward and contribute to the attack has been a key element in England’s recent successes. His absence has forced Southgate to adapt his strategy, but finding a replacement with similar qualities has proven challenging. The lack of a natural left-sided left-back has disrupted England's balance, affecting both their defensive solidity and offensive fluidity.
Lampard’s comments underscore the importance of Shaw’s role in the team. As a player who can contribute at both ends of the pitch, Shaw's presence provides a unique dynamic that is difficult to replicate. His attacking runs and ability to deliver crosses create opportunities and add another dimension to England's play.
Southgate's dilemma is finding a way to replicate this balance without Shaw. The options currently available have not offered the same level of offensive support or defensive assurance. This has been evident in England's performances, where the lack of a natural left-sided left-back has been a noticeable gap.
The tactical adjustments necessitated by Shaw’s absence have highlighted the limitations of England's squad depth in this position. While Southgate has a wealth of talent at his disposal, the specific qualities Shaw brings to the team are not easily replaced.
As England progresses in Euro 2024, Southgate will need to find solutions to this issue. Whether it involves adjusting the formation or relying on other players to step up, addressing the imbalance caused by Shaw's injury is crucial. The ability to field a balanced and cohesive team will be key to England's success in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Lampard’s analysis points to a broader challenge for England: the need for versatility and depth in the squad. Injuries are an inevitable part of football, and having capable replacements who can maintain the team's tactical integrity is essential.
Frank Lampard’s assessment of England's current situation at Euro 2024 highlights the significant impact of Luke Shaw's absence. The lack of a natural left-sided left-back has disrupted the team's balance, affecting both their defensive and offensive play. Gareth Southgate faces the challenge of finding a solution to this problem as England moves forward in the tournament. Shaw's unique qualities and contributions have been sorely missed, and addressing this gap will be crucial for England's hopes of success at Euro 2024.
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