England handed fitness boost as defender declared fit for EURO 2024 Q/F clash against Switzerland: Reports

England have been handed a huge boost as first-choice left-back Luke Shaw has reportedly been declared fit for their EURO 2024 quarterfinal against Switzerland. The defender has missed the entirety of the tournament so far with a hamstring injury, that has kept him sidelined for a long time.

Shaw made just 19 appearances for the Red Devils in the 2023-24 season, assisting twice. His recurring hamstring issues came back to haunt him in his side's 2-1 win against Luton in February 2024 and have kept him out of action since.

Despite the injury, Shaw was included in Gareth Southgate's squad in the hope that he would make a recovery midway through the competition. Fortunately for the 53-year-old, the Manchester United full-back has now been deemed fit to play, according to the Daily Mail.

He was involved in training with the other members of the squad before the decisive last-eight clash. However, having been out of action for so long, there are question marks over his ability to deliver under pressure if reintroduced into the lineup.

Southgate was initially reported to be thinking about bringing Shaw back gradually off the bench. However, according to Sky Sports, the manager wishes to reform his tactics after England's attacking struggles at the tournament so far.

It is being reported that Southgate is contemplating a switch to a three-at-the-back system against Switzerland. This could lead to stand-in left-back Kieran Trippier being dropped for the defensively-solid Shaw, who has previously played in a left-sided centre-back position.

"He's training well and is looking ready" - England forward Ivan Toney gives update on Luke Shaw's fitness

England marksman Ivan Toney gave an update on Luke Shaw's fitness after the defender was spotted training with the squad prior to their EURO 2024 quarterfinal clash against Switzerland.

Despite being fit and ready, Toney was benched in all three of the Three Lions' group-stage games. He made his EUROs debut against Slovakia in the Round of 16, coming on as a 94th-minute substitute for Phil Foden. He had an immediate impact, assisting skipper Harry Kane in the first minute of extra-time for the winner.

Shaw was initially supposed to attend to media duties himself but changed his mind at the last moment. Toney was sent as his replacement and was asked about the status of the full-back's fitness.

In the pre-match press conference, the Brentford man said (via The Sun):

"He's training well and is looking ready. We'll have to see what the gaffer does. He's a top player and I'm sure he'll play his part if he's ready."

England will take on Switzerland in their EURO 2024 quarter-final clash at Dusseldorf's Merkur Spiel Arena on July 6.