England boss Gareth Southgate confirms injury absentee for Denmark clash

The Three Lions begin their Euro 2024 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory in Monday's clash with Serbia following a first-half header from Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.

England are now preparing to face Denmark at Deutsch Bank Park in Frankfurt, which represents a rematch of the Euro 2020 semi-final clash between the two nations at Wembley.

Southgate's side emerged victorious on that occasion and another victory on Thursday would secure them a last-16 spot with a game to spare.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that 25 members of England's 26-man squad participated in training ahead of the clash with Kasper Hjulmand's side.

Southgate confirms Shaw absence

However, Shaw was the only man absent from the session as he continues to recover from a muscle injury which has kept him sidelined since February.

There was believed to be some hope that the Manchester United man would be available to play some part in Thursday's contest, but Southgate has now revealed that he will not be ready for the second group game.

"Luke won't be involved," Southgate told reporters on Wednesday. "He's actually on track for where we thought originally. We were hoping a couple of days ago we might accelerate that but he needs a bit more volume work. There are days when he needs to do more than the rest of the group.

"Luke's an outstanding player, that's why we've taken the decision to bring him, although he's not played for so long.

"We're hopeful that can be available as soon as possible. I don't want to put a timeline on it here and now but he's progressing well."

Trippier to continue at left-back

Southgate took a risk with Shaw's inclusion and knew it would be a tough ask for the 28-year-old to prove his fitness for the group stage.

However, they will hope he can recover to play some role in England's final group match against Slovenia because as the only natural left-back in the squad, his absence leaves the Three Lions with an unbalanced side.

Southgate admitted that Shaw offers useful "balance" to the team, but insists Trippier is still a useful player to have in that position despite his tendency to come back onto his favoured right foot.

Southgate added: The balance he [Shaw] gives, the drive he gives, whoever plays with him down that side of the pitch, he gives a different outlet.

"But at the moment we don't have him, we're adapting to that and we have to find a different way. Kieran gave a performance like he has so many times for us in big matches.

"If you talk to wingers that play with him, his communication is an enormous help to other players. He has different attributes that Luke doesn't have."

Barring any late injury issues, Trippier will continue in the left-back role, but Southgate does have the option to use Joe Gomez in that position after the Liverpool man showcased his versatility throughout the 2023-24 campaign.