In a light-hearted moment, Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe offered a playful warning to Luke Shaw ahead of the highly-anticipated Euro 2024 final: “Please don’t pull your hamstring again.”

This lighthearted quip held a deeper significance for the entire nation, as Shaw’s return to the pitch after a 148-day absence due to a hamstring injury was a bold move by England head coach Gareth Southgate.

Shaw’s last start before the final was in February, and his inclusion in the starting lineup was a well-kept secret until just a few hours before kickoff. It wasn’t just any game; it was arguably England’s most important match since 1966.

Sunday’s Euro 2024 final marked Luke Shaw’s first start for club or country in 148 days

Shaw’s lack of match fitness was evident, having only played 87 minutes of football across two substitute appearances in the entire tournament. However, for 45 minutes, he effectively contained the talented Lamine Yamal, one of Spain’s rising stars.

Unfortunately, Shaw was caught out just two minutes into the second half by a clever pass from Dani Carvajal to Yamal, leading to Spain’s opening goal. This was a harsh welcome back to top-level football for Shaw, a reminder of the ruthless nature of the game.

England’s Luke Shaw successfully contained Spain’s Lamine Yamal for most of the final

Despite this setback, Shaw’s performance should be evaluated with a balanced perspective. He was tasked with marking one of the tournament’s standout players in a high-pressure environment, and he rose to the challenge admirably.

Shaw’s defensive prowess was on full display, limiting Yamal’s impact and reducing his passing accuracy to just 66% in the first half. This led former England international Gary Neville to commend Shaw’s defensive performance at halftime, acknowledging his growth as a defender and his importance to both Manchester United and England.

Shaw was unable to prevent Nico Williams (No. 17) from scoring Spain’s opening goal

Shaw’s ability to quickly adapt to the pace of the game, despite his extended absence, was truly remarkable. He showed no signs of hesitation or rust, seamlessly fitting into the flow of the final.

Southgate’s decision to include Shaw in the squad, despite his lack of recent playing time, was a testament to the player’s natural ability and understanding of the game. Shaw’s performance highlighted his value to the team, showcasing his passing range and offensive capabilities.

With Kieran Trippier starting every game for England at left-back except for the final, Southgate recognized the need for a more natural left-footed player in that position. Trippier, who will be 33 by the time of the 2026 World Cup, deserves credit for his contributions, but Shaw’s return adds a different dimension to the team.

Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Luke Shaw in England’s Euro 2024 squad was a bold move

Shaw’s performance in the final, despite the disappointing outcome, bodes well for his future with the national team. At 31, he will likely have another opportunity to represent England at a major tournament, and fans will be hopeful that his injury woes are firmly behind him.