Luke Shaw and Trent Alexander-Arnold will both defend England captain Harry Kane, who has come under fire for his performance at Euro 2024.
Kane, who has led his nation since the 2018 World Cup, has scored just twice in Germany, with a performance that has many questioning his role in Gareth Southgate’s attack.
Among other calls for Kane to be withdrawn from Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands, Shaw insisted that the team still fully supports their captain.
“When he’s on the field, he makes other players feel positive,” said Shaw. “I think we all feel a lot of hope when he is on the pitch, because he is the best goalscorer. Anytime he can score a goal he makes the difference. He is an important player, he is our captain.
“He is a world-class player. We see him training every day, we know the level he has and what he brings to the team.”
Fellow defender Alexander-Arnold echoed Shaw’s words, insisting the striker brings something different to the team.
Anyone facing England would like to see Harry Kane not playing,” said Alexander-Arnold. “He just knows he’s dangerous. Anything in and around the box, he needs to be alert. He can finish everywhere.
“I always say he’s the best coach I’ve ever seen or played with. He can come down and build plays and his catch is amazing.”
Both Shaw and Alexander-Arnold were given a chance during England’s hard-fought quarter-final win over Switzerland. The Manchester United defender came on in the 78th minute, providing support for the side’s often-deficient left flank, while Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold was brought on in extra time and held his own to score the decisive penalty.
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