Manchester United defender Luke Shaw says the death of his grandmother, who passed just before England’s opener with Iran, is feeding his World Cup motivation.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate had offered compassionate leave to Shaw - the team’s only natural left-back at the tournament - amid the loss but the player politely declined so he could honour his nan’s memory in Qatar on football’s biggest stage.
Shaw played in all three of England ’s group games and assisted their first goal of the tournament, crossing in for Jude Bellingham’s header in the 6-2 triumph over the Iranians. The 27-year-old explained what unfolded prior to the game following England’s 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday.
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"My nan sadly passed away, she had cancer for a long while and, unfortunately, she passed away just before the first game," said Shaw, as per the Mirror. "Gareth was really good with me, spoke to me and asked if everything was okay and did I need to have time away.
"So this World Cup means so much to me. I didn’t want to miss anything. I’ve had time to grieve. You could say it is part of my motivation - she was a really important part of my childhood, I spent a lot of time with her. She had cancer for a long while and had suffered a lot."
Shaw has helped his country keep two clean sheets as England top Group B to set up a last-16 clash with Senegal on Sunday. The full-back featured in 2014’s dismal World Cup campaign before missing out on Russia 2018.
Now, with Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell picking up a hamstring injury just before the tournament, the left-back starting XI slot was open to take at Qatar 2022. Shaw has performed well, continuing his renewed form for United after initially losing his spot to Tyrell Malacia.
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