Luke Shaw was not present at an England press conference at Euro 2024 as planned on Thursday with Ivan Toney stepping into replace the Manchester United star.
Shaw, 27, is still to feature for England in Germany this summer having not played any football since February when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Gareth Southgate had hoped to use the left-back off the bench against Slovakia in Sunday’s last 16 clash in Gelsenkirchen but he was again an unused substitute as Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane rescued a dramatic win for the Three Lions.
Shaw was back in full training again on Wednesday, all smiles alongside Bellingham as England prepare for their quarter-final showdown against Switzerland on Saturday.
He was scheduled to speak in front of the media but less than an hour before that press conference was scheduled to begin, it emerged Toney would be stepping in instead.
That development quickly sparked concerns over Shaw’s fitness but it is understood the United star requested he only speaks once he has played at Euro 2024.
Southgate’s decision to name Shaw in his final squad for the European Championship has been questioned given the major question marks over his fitness.
Kieran Trippier has deputised at left-back in his absence but the Newcastle United star has been managing a calf issue during the tournament.
Trippier was also replaced in the second-half of Sunday’s win over Slovakia with Bukayo Saka dropping in that more defensive role on the left.
Following the goalless draw against Slovenia that concluded England’s group campaign last week, Shaw indicated he would be ready for the knockout stages of the competition.
His teammate Jordan Pickford meanwhile believes the United star is ready to come into the side when called upon.
‘He was ready to come on last night, but I’m not the manager,’ the Everton goalkeeper told talkSPORT after the Slovakia win. ‘He’s ready. Luke says he’s ready.’
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