Luke Shaw misses full training AGAIN ahead of England's final group stage match

Luke Shaw missed training again on Friday amid emerging fears that the defender’s anticipated return will be delayed even longer.

Manchester United defender Shaw has not played for five months due to a hamstring injury but was still selected by Southgate for Euro 2024.

It is understood that England medics, in communication with their United counterparts, had hoped Shaw would be available to come off the bench during the final group game against Slovenia on Tuesday night.

But the fact Shaw missed full training again on Friday morning as he continued with his personalised plan away from the rest of the group casts further doubt over his availability for next week’s clash in Cologne.

If he misses the game against Slovenia then Southgate faces a tough decision on whether to include Shaw in his starting XIs for the knockout rounds given the prospect of instant elimination.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag claimed last weekend that Shaw wouldn’t be ready to play until the knockout stages, but Southgate was keen to get him on the field during one of the opening three games with a view to potential starting the left-back in the final stages of the tournament.

However, throwing Shaw into action during the elimination rounds would represent a major risk given he hasn’t played since February, which could see Southgate stick with Kieran Trippier, who has started the tournament at left-back.

And if Shaw is limited to a peripheral role here in Germany, questions will be raised of Southgate’s decision not to bring another natural left-back such as Ben Chilwell or Tyrick Mitchell or leave the Old Trafford star out of the squad altogether.

Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa could both play at left-back but neither have played a single minute here in Germany.

Speaking after Thursday’s draw against Denmark, boss Southgate admitted Shaw’s continued absence has created a major issue saying: ‘It is clear in terms of the balance of the team that we don’t have our best left-back, so that denies you that balance.

‘But I think Tripps [Kieran Trippier] has done an incredible job for the team, his spirit and organisation and desire have helped us get over the line in the last couple of games. So that's in no way a criticism of him (Trippier), but it's obviously going to be different - a right foot rather than a left.’