Why Chilwell is keen on Shaw contest
England left-back Ben Chilwell has revealed he is good friends with Manchester United defender and competitor for his spot in the Three Lions line-up, Luke Shaw.
At Euro 2020, it was Shaw who got the nod for the Three Lions on the left side of defence, featuring in all but one game (Kieran Trippier played against Croatia) during the tournament and of course scoring in the final against Italy.
Despite losing out on playing in a major competition on home soil, Chilwell is not sulking and emphasises that there’s no 'I' in 'team', saying that it was the togetherness in the England camp that drove them all the way to the final at Wembley.
"When you’ve got someone in the same position as you, it doesn’t have to be ‘Ah, you’re enemies’," the full-back said about club compatriot Marcos Alonso, before explaining it's similar when it comes to the international stage.
"You’re fighting for the same shirt but you can be friends. It’s the same as me and Luke with England. We are very good friends when we’re here. I’d even go as far to say he’s one of my good friends in the team."
England are playing against Albania and San Marino in their last two World Cup qualifiers on Friday 12 November and Monday 15 November respectively.
Gareth Southgate told reporters on Thursday that he's still unsure whether Shaw can feature for England in the first match of the international break, after he was substituted in line with the FA's concussion protocol during United's clash with Manchester City last weekend.
"Luke didn't pass his HIA [head injury assessment] after the first day and rightly, we have to follow the guidelines with that," the Three Lions boss said.
If not fit to feature for England, one would hope our no.23 can be ready for United's game with Watford next Saturday.
In the following Premier League assignment after the trip to Vicarage Road, Shaw and Chilwell could line up against each other when the Reds play at Stamford Bridge on 28 November.