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Luke Shaw was offered chance to leave World Cup after death of grandmother
Luke Shaw was offered chance to leave World Cup after death of grandmother,Luke Shaw has been an important part of England's progression through the World Cup 2022 group stage having started all three matches, but he's been playing through the grieving process

Luke Shaw was offered chance to leave World Cup after death of grandmother

Luke Shaw is taking World Cup inspiration from memories of his late grandma.

Shaw has revealed his grandmother died from a long battle with cancer before England's first World Cup game against Iran at Qatar 2022. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate offered him the chance to return home for a spell to be with his family.

But Shaw has done his grieving in the England camp and admits thinking about her is motivating him to help England try and win the biggest prize of all.

READ MORE: Phil Foden and Luke Shaw among England stars to smooch WAGs while celebrating Wales win

Shaw has been an ever present in England's group stage, which has seen them remain unbeaten to set up a last 16 showdown with Senegal on Sunday.

The Manchester United defender said: "She had cancer for a long while and, unfortunately, she passed away just before the first game. She had cancer for a long while and had suffered a lot. It had been a long thing

"Gareth was really good with me. He spoke to me and asked if everything is okay and did I need to have time away. So this World Cup means so much to me. I didn't want to miss anything and I've had time to grieve. You could say it is part of my motivation. She was a really important part of my childhood and I spent a lot of time with her."

Luke Shaw is consoled by his girlfriend Anouska Santos after the Wales match
Luke Shaw is consoled by his girlfriend Anouska Santos after the Wales match (Image: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham believes England’s attacking strength in depth means boss Gareth Southgate can pick anyone up front to find the net.

The Three Lions roared past Wales last night thanks to a Marcus Rashford double either side of a Phil Foden strike. The pair came into the side in place of Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka as Gareth Southgate freshened up his side.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder said: “So happy for Rashford. He was brilliant. When he gets the ball he’s got that freedom and his end product is good too.

Luke Shaw started all three of England's group stage matches
Luke Shaw started all three of England's group stage matches (Image: NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

“And in a game like this taking a free kick like that and the way he delivered put us in a really good position for the rest of the match. We have got loads of depth in the attacking areas and whoever comes on always seems to make an impact.

“Whether it is from the start or from the bench, the change of personnel doesn't really change the style or the performance of the team which is quite rare, if I'm being honest.

“I'm really pleased for Phil (Foden). There has been a lot of pressure on him the last few days given all the attention but it just showed how good he is again.”

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