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European Under-21s Championship | Qualifiers

Oct 10, 2014 at 5.45pm UK

England U21s England Under-21s
2-1
Croatia U21s Croatia Under-21s

Kane (58'), Berahino (85' pen.)

FT(HT: 0-1)

Livaja (13')

Gareth Southgate explains Luke Shaw's England Under-21 inclusion

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 02 October 2014

Gareth Southgate believes that it is vital Luke Shaw builds up his international experience with the England Under-21 side before earning a recall to the senior set-up.

England Under-21s manager Gareth Southgate has challenged Luke Shaw to impress Roy Hodgson in order to earn a recall to the senior side.

The Manchester United full-back has endured an injury-plagued start to life at Old Trafford since joining the club from Southampton in the summer, and was today left out of Roy Hodgson's squad for the Three Lions' latest set of qualifying fixtures.

Shaw was named as part of England's World Cup squad in the summer, but has now had to make do with a place in the Young Lions' set-up for next week's Euro 2015 playoff meeting with Croatia.

"With this being a playoff game for us and Luke not being able to start the last set of qualifiers, Roy Hodgson feels these games will be a great experience for Luke," Southgate told Sky Sports News.

"He hasn't got a lot of international experience, so for him to have the opportunity to come and play for us is key to the future of what we're trying to do at this level.

"There are some matches that are good learning opportunities, so I'm sure Luke Shaw can impress with his performances."

Shaw has made one appearance for United this season, playing 90 minutes of last Saturday's 1-0 victory over West Ham United.