Manchester United and England players have often been accused in the past of showing polar opposite form depending on which shirt they were wearing.
A case in point, at times, was Wayne Rooney. Despite being England's record goalscorer, many Three Lions fans believed towards the end of his career with the national side that he was not showing the same exceptional form that the Old Trafford faithful were enjoying from him in a red shirt.
Luke Shaw, however, has faced similar criticism of late but in reverse. Injuries have not helped the United full-back, but Shaw's form for his domestic club has been way below par — a fact the 26-year-old has freely admitted.
ALSO READ: Luke Shaw hints at Manchester United unhappiness after England goal vs Switzerland
But when he is called upon by Gareth Southgate, fans all see a different side to Shaw. His confidence in the left back role shines through and the World Cup warm up friendly against Switzerland was another recent example.
Rarely has Shaw looked so confident bursting up the field at the Theatre of Dreams this season, like he did for his equaliser against the Swiss on Saturday. One United fan commented that he would not have taken that shot in a red shirt; it is hard to disagree with that.
Comparisons to legendary Brazilian Roberto Carlos are frequent for Shaw when he performs for the Three Lions and some are perhaps baffled at how he he can turn it on for Southgate. But his comments from last year when he returned to the national team show exactly why he shows his quality in an England shirt.
He told the United club website: "At times, I made bad mistakes, pulling out of squads maybe at times when I shouldn’t have. That was down to me. Of course, back then, I was going through bad times.
"There was in the back of my mind, especially my family and my girlfriend, they thought that it was done. At the start of the season I had ambitions and sat down with my girlfriend and said that I wanted to get back in the England squad, doing everything I can to be back there. You know, of course with my form, I thought there was a bigger chance than ever that I could be back in it.
"Gladly, Gareth’s given me another opportunity to be involved in there, so I’m just really happy and honoured to be selected again. Hopefully I can show Gareth why I deserve a spot in the squad.”
Now Shaw has made his way back to the England squad and performed, he has the blueprint to rediscover his United form. When he was out of the picture at St George's Park, he took to the field for United, enjoyed some stunning form between 2019 and 2021 and made himself undroppable.
It's time for him to do the same for United by using his Three Lions' performances as a platform. He must rediscover that passion for Ralf Rangnick's men when he returns from this international break. This season has been difficult at Old Trafford, but there are no excuses next season when a new manager walks through the door.
An on-song Luke Shaw for United is great news for both his club and his international team. If he continues to underperform at Old Trafford, though, he may find himself out of the plans both at a domestic and national level.
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