Manchester United fullback Luke Shaw shares how national team manager Southgate makes him feel wanted

England edged past Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley Stadium courtesy of goals from Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw and a spot-kick from Harry Kane. It was Breel Embolo who handed the Swiss the lead in the 22nd minute but Gareth Southgate’s men came from behind to earn a hard-fought victory.

It was a special moment for Luke Shaw who has now scored his second goal in five games. Shaw is not known for his goalscoring prowess as he has the same tally in club football in 207 Premier League appearances. However, for this rise, Shaw credits his national team manager Gareth Southgate.

“The environment here that Gareth (Southgate) creates, you always enjoy it,” the Manchester United fullback told Sky Sports.

“I think when I come here it is about enjoyment and playing games with a smile on my face. Here, when I come here, I always do that.

“We all love playing for our country and when we are here we all just focus on what is happening here. Obviously, my main focus is England at this time.”

Shaw shared how he as a player needed to feel happy about playing football again especially due to his underwhelming form at the club level. He feels feeling happy is necessary to produce the best performances something that he is witnessing under Gareth Southgate. “I think everyone does, really,” he added.”It is always important to feel like you are wanted. I think especially here I always feel that.

Shaw quickly clarified that he does not mean he is not happy at Manchester United but it is just that Southgate makes him feel wanted and hence he enjoys playing for the Three Lions. “I am not saying I don’t at United but especially here, the way things are, I feel wanted and I enjoy my football. A big part of football is the enjoyment,” he continued.

Shaw then highlight show it is tough for a player to enjoy at club level when the club is not doing that well. He feels that has been the case for him this season as Manchester United are struggling to hold on to top four positions in the Premier League.

“Of course, it is hard to enjoy when we are losing and not playing well at club level. We have to face that and, of course, this season it has not been good enough so it is hard to enjoy. We have a lot to improve at the club but I am here with England so the focus is on that,” the England international concluded.