Shaw has been one of the remarkable players for the Three Lions during the tournament, especially in the knockout stages, where he has three assists in two games.
‘Shawberto Carlos’
Luke Shaw’s Euro 2020 performances have been given the seal of approval from Roberto Carlos after the England international earned comparisons with the Brazilian legend. Shaw has been one of the remarkable players for the Three Lions during the tournament, especially in the knockout stages, where he has three assists in two games. After a man-of-the-match display in the quarter-final against Ukraine on Saturday, Manchester United fans’ nickname was given to him earlier this season – ‘Shawberto Carlos’ – gained national attention, with Carlos now responding to comparisons. When asked about his thoughts on Shaw’s performances so far, Carlos told reporters: “He seems to be very motivated. He is improving; his performance against Ukraine was outstanding. He was an important part of this English team, along with all the others.”
Roberto Carlos doesn’t like comparisons between his time and present time football
“He has been improving every game, and I think he has got everything to get to the top. He is the left-back for England; that in itself says a lot.” When asked about self-comparisons, the former defender, who earned 125 caps for Brazil between 1992 and 2006, was keen to play them down, saying the game was different when he was playing. “I don’t like to compare,” added the 48-year-old who was part of the Brazilian national team that lifted the 2002 World Cup. “These are two completely different periods in football. I had my time, and now he’s having his. Similarities, I think, could be that he has strength and the desire to win as I did.” Though the ‘Shawberto Carlos’ comparisons have been partly made in jest, the fact that Shaw is being compared to such a legendary player highlights how well he performed in the tournament.
After losing the opening game against Croatia, Shaw started every game since his attacking threat grew to match his defensive capabilities against Germany and Ukraine. His impressive displays come from a great season with Manchester United, which saw Shaw revive his career under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his highly-publicised fight under the previous boss Jose Mourinho. He’s almost sure to start Wednesday’s huge semi-final against Denmark at Wembley, as England looks to reach their first major tournament final since 1966.