England made short work of Ukraine to book a spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2020 this evening, with Luke Shaw having since proven the talk of social media.
Kane at the double
Gareth Southgate’s men made the trip to the Stadio Olimpico a short time ago.
The Three Lions headed into proceedings brimming with confidence, on the back of a morale-boosting downing of old foes Germany in the Round-of-16.
In turn, they were viewed as widespread favourites to clinch a semi-final berth this evening, with Ukraine, despite their own spot in the Last-8, having not exactly lit up the international stage this summer.
Few, however, would likely have predicted just how comfortable a victory England would go on to secure.
After Harry Kane opened the game’s scoring inside five minutes, the floodgates opened in a major way upon the two nations’ reemergence for the 2nd-half.
Sterling >>>> Kane ⚽
What a ball! What a start for England!
Watch and listen to #UKRENG on the BBC https://t.co/SgXUFtqSx6 #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/IFtfHIAFbw
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 3, 2021
Harry Maguire was first up, nodding home Luke Shaw’s pinpoint delivery to double the Three Lions’ advantage. The aforementioned Kane then put Southgate and co. out of sight with his 3rd in two games just minutes later:
Harry Kane is well and truly BACK! 👑
Watch and listen to #UKRENG on the BBC https://t.co/SgXUFtqSx6 #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/oDYZzsTKtg
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 3, 2021
And there was even time for substitute Jordan Henderson to get in on the act, taking advantage of some slack marking at the heart of Ukraine’s backline to head home his first-ever international goal.
England, in turn, march on to a semi-final showdown with Denmark, with dreams of bringing an end to the nation’s 55-year wait for silverware very much alive.
Super Shaw
On the back of the action coming to a close in Rome, meanwhile, it has since come as little surprise to see a whole host of Three Lions stars singled out for praise.
The likes of goalscorers Kane and Maguire, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice and more all shone over the course of the 90 minutes this evening.
None, however, has been more widely showered in adulation than Luke Shaw.
The Manchester United left-back, fresh off the back of a wonderful campaign at club level, barely put a foot wrong all night on Saturday, defending stoutly, whilst providing a constant attacking outlet down the England left.
The latter culminated in Shaw bagging not one, but two fine assists, to close the gap on David Beckham in the nation’s history books:
Only David Beckham (5) has provided more assists for England at the European Championships than Luke Shaw (3).
The Manchester United connection. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/QGhB3oIZVg
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 3, 2021
The Red Devils stopper shining at the Stadio Olimpico, the new home of none other than his biggest detractor – Jose Mourinho – was also picked up on by droves of England and United supporters alike.
Check out the best of the social media reaction below:
Luke Shaw masterclass in Jose Mourinho’s back yard…
— Adam McKola (@AdamMcKola) July 3, 2021
Luke shaw… sensational performance!!!!!
— Micah Richards (@MicahRichards) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw turning into prime Maldini……
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw putting on a masterclass in Jose’s new city. pic.twitter.com/jFGJTggGwE
— Roberto Mancini hypeman Ryan Conway (@RJConway92) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw at Euro 2020. pic.twitter.com/p00Jt9ux82
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw’s form. Incredible. Game-changer from left-back.
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw provided more assists in 3m 51s vs Ukraine than Zinedine Zidane did in 14 appearances at the Euros
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw clearly heard that Jose Mourinho arrived in Rome yesterday 👀
What a performance 👏 pic.twitter.com/tvOsflG0N2
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw’s game by numbers vs. Ukraine:
100% long pass accuracy
100% tackles won
81% pass accuracy
3 attempted crosses
3 successful crosses
3 chances created
2 big chances created
2 assistsLight work. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yB7Nq9cnGN
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 3, 2021
Luke Shaw really followed José Mourinho to Rome, dropped 2 assists with a colossal performance on his doorstep and left. 😍
— ManUnitedMedia (@ManUnitedMedia) July 3, 2021
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