Luke Shaw could start for England in the Euro 2024 final (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed his one concern as England gear up for their Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday.
The Three Lions have not been at their scintillating best throughout the tournament but have reached their second successive Euros final after a nervy series of knockout fixtures.
As Gareth Southgate’s side now turn their attention to Spain, the England boss, in particular, has a number of key decisions to make about his starting XI in Berlin.
The main call will be at left-back, with the fit-again Luke Shaw pushing for a start ahead of Kieran Tripper who has deputised in the position throughout the tournament.
Reports suggest that Trippier will be given the nod from the start, but Shaw would be expected to make an appearance off the bench at some stage of the match.
But speaking ahead of the match, Ratcliffe hinted he was keeping his fingers crossed that Shaw, who has not started a game since February, would come out of the final unscathed.
‘All the very best of luck on Sunday and I sincerely hope you’re successful,’ he told BBC Sport.
Addressing Shaw directly, he joked: ‘Luke, please don’t pull your hamstring again.’
The INEOS exec also sent a message to Kobbie Mainoo who has enjoyed a breakthrough tournament having only made his England senior debut in March.
‘Kobbie, I think you’ve played with remarkable maturity for a 19-year-old – well done.’
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, heaped further praise on the United midfielder and tipped him to score the game’s winner.
‘I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final. That he is going to score and prove decisive,’ Rooney told The Times.
‘If you think of him in the tournament, he has got into good positions going forward and I think Spain will do their homework and close off space for Harry Kane, Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
‘But that will leave space for a midfielder arriving late, and that Mainoo will get one from a cut-back.’
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.