Luke Shaw’s solid cameo helps England edge Netherlands to reach Euro 2024 final

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw featured for 45 minutes as England beat Netherlands 2-1 to book their place in the Euro 20204 final.

The Netherlands took an early lead through Xavi Simons, who got the better of Declan Rice before making his way to the edge of the area and powerfully driving the ball across a helpless Jordan Pickford.

However, their advantage didn’t last long as Harry Kane restored parity just 11 minutes later after the deadlock was broken.

Kane won a penalty for the Three Lions and made no mistake from the spot-kick.

The game seemed like it was destined for extra time with both sides struggling to break the other’s defence but substitute Ollie Watkins had other ideas.

The Aston Villa talisman got on the end of a pass from Cole Palmer, took a quick touch to his left, turned and produced a stunning shot into the bottom corner.

Watkins’ last-minute goal secured England’s showdown with Spain in Berlin on Sunday.

Shaw was thrust into proceedings during the interval as he came on in place of Kieran Trippier.

During the time he was on the pitch, Shaw made just one interception. He delved into one ground duel, which he didn’t win. Aerially, the United left-back was required to contest two challenges. He came out on top on that one occasion.

He registered 37 touches of the ball. He successfully delivered 25 of the 27 passes he attempted, managing a pass accuracy of 93%. One of Shaw’s passes was a key pass.

The 28-year-old attempted to connect with three crosses and two long balls. He found his target with one cross and as many long balls.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

Before the game vs. Ronald Koeman’s men, Shaw insisted that he was fit to start a game and he may finally get his opportunity on Sunday against La Roja.

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