England defeated Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley thanks in part to Luke Shaw's equaliser. The Manchester United player discussed the need to enjoy his football to produce his best form when talking to Sky Sports after the game...
Sunday 27 March 2022 19:42, UK
Luke Shaw says that feeling 'wanted' is a factor in his England form after a difficult season with Manchester United.
The 26-year-old full-back fired in the equalising goal for England in their come-from-behind 2-1 win over Switzerland at Wembley.
It was his second goal in five games for Gareth Southgate's side - as many as he has managed in 207 Premier League appearances - and he credited his international manager.
"The environment here that Gareth creates, you always enjoy it," Shaw 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."
Asked by Sky Sports reporter Pat Davison if he was a player who needed to feel happy to produce his best performances, after a perceived dip in form at club level, Shaw expanded on this idea.
"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.
"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.
"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."
Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp:
"A lot of the time previously we have spoken about players not wanting to play for their country, feeling more comfortable back home playing for their clubs.
"I think that is a credit to the environment that Gareth has created.
"The emotional part of the game is something we often forget, especially when you are a football yourself. There is a part of you that thinks that is the price of the ticket. You are under pressure.
"Every time you play for Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, if you are going to play for an elite club you are going to get criticised if it does not go well and you have to be able to accept it sometimes.
"He obviously feels more comfortable here. He has been in and out of the team for separate reasons, not been good enough, not played at the right level.
"There was a lot of emotion there."
