Luke Shaw has revealed he feared he would play no part at Euro 2024 after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury in Germany, but has declared himself fit to start Wednesday's semi-final against the Netherlands in Dortmund.
Shaw made his long-awaited return from injury for the final ten minutes plus extra-time of England's win over Switzerland on penalties on Saturday.
The Manchester United defender was the only recognised left-back named in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad, despite being sidelined from February with a hamstring problem.
On naming his final squad on June 7, Southgate said he hoped Shaw could play some part in England's second group game against Denmark, but the 28-year-old suffered a setback in training before the match, leaving him concerned for his tournament.
Asked if he had feared his Euros was over, Shaw said: “Yeah, I think so. I think purely because of what I’d been through.
“I worked so hard to get to that place where I was at and then for something like that to happen, I was of course worried. But I had a scan and it wasn’t too bad so it was only a minor one. I knew there was still an opportunity to come back and play later on in the tournament.
“It was just in training. I actually overstretched to be honest. It was only minor and I’m here now.
“Of course, I think I am [ready to start on Wednesday] but obviously that's Gareth's decision. But I feel fit and ready to go.
“The last four months has been really tough. Obviously at the start I was expected to come back a lot sooner but I went through a few setbacks, to be honest.
“I'm here now, it was really nice to get on the other night. I've been itching to get some minutes. It's been a while but I was really pleased to be able to get some minutes and hopefully get some more in the next game.”
The right-footed Kieran Trippier has deputised at left-back in the first five games, leaving England short of balance and threat down the flank, and Shaw admitted he was slightly surprised at being the only specialist named in the squad.
“I know how good a job Kieran Trippier could do at left-back, I saw him as left-back cover so there was a little bit of a surprise but not too much,” he said.
After the win over the Swiss, Southgate admitted the personal criticism he has faced during the tournament has been "difficult" and says he has used it as "fuel" ahead of a third semi-final in four tournaments as England boss.
Southgate was booed and pelted with plastic cups by a minority of supporters after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the group but Shaw is baffled by the abuse.
“To be honest, I don't really understand the criticism [given] what he's done for the country and for us as players as well," he said.
“He's really taken us to the next level. No manager has been as successful as him.
“It's now another semi-final and us as players we love him. He's really good, he's exactly what we need.
“He always puts the players first and for that we're able to go on the pitch and be at our best. I've got a lot to thank him for.
“He showed a lot of faith and trust in picking me when he didn't have to. For that, I'll always be thankful. I need to repay the faith he's shown in me."
Referee Felix Zwayer will take charge of Wednesday's night match at Signal Iduna Park as part of an all-German team of officials.
The appointment has caused controversy because Zwayer was criticised for previously being found guilty in a case of match-fixing by Jude Bellingham, when the England playmaker was at Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
Asked if the situation was uncomfortable, Shaw said: “No, not at all. We have to respect Uefa in whoever they decide to pick as the ref. That won’t change anything about us. We still just focus on the game in hand, not too much about what refs we’ve been given or this and that. For us, it won’t make any difference."
