Luke Shaw insists he’ll be fit to play in England’s last-16 clash with Slovakia after missing the entire group stage through injury that has kept him out since February

Luke Shaw is confident he will be available for selection when England face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

The left back hopes to play some part in the last-16 tie after overcoming a lingering hamstring complaint, which kept him out of the group-stage matches.

Shaw returned to full training earlier this week having previously spent a period working alone, raising concerns he may not feature at all here in Germany.

But when asked if he was close to playing, the 28-year-old told reporters: ‘Next game.’

It is likely that will be from the bench, given he has not played since February, but Gareth Southgate would like to get some game-time minutes into the defender, who is the only natural left back in the squad.

Kieran Trippier has deputised in the position so far and has done well, but Southgate would ideally like more balance to his team.

Shaw returned to team training earlier this week as he looks to get back to full fitness

Shaw’s return will be a welcome boost to Gareth Southgate ahead of the knockout stages