Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Luke Shaw doesn't see England Under-21's demotion as 'punishment'

Luke Shaw said Roy Hodgson has reassured him that his demotion to England's Under-21 team is not a "punishment" and believes it will be beneficial.

The Manchester United left-back was a member of England's World Cup squad but was not selected by Hodgson for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia and is instead in the younger group to face Croatia.

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Both Hodgson and United manager Louis van Gaal have said that Shaw, the most expensive teenager in world football, needs to be fitter.

The former Southampton player, who cost United 27 million pounds, has only played two games for his new club after missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury, will shrug off the dead leg that forced him to come off in Sunday's 2-1 win over Everton to join up with Gareth Southgate's squad.

And he said: "I spoke to Roy about it and he rang me the week before it came out and said it's not a punishment or anything like that. I'm not dropping down there because I haven't been playing so it's for me to help out the Under-21s.

"It's not just me -- Calum Chambers and [Saido] Berahino might have got a call-up. We're all happy to help. It's always been a privilege to play for my country, no matter what level it is and I will do it and do my best."

Shaw, who has been replaced in the full England squad by Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs, has only played three times for the Under-21s but is aiming to help them qualify for next summer's European Championships.

He added: "I've been unlucky with the Under-21s as I've had a lot of injuries but I still feel I can go and help out. I'm really looking forward to it. Of course, I always want to help out my country and I know there are few other lads who can also drop down as well that summer.

"Who knows yet? Obviously, I've had a little discussion about it with Gareth Southgate but nothing too big. I'm away with them for the next couple of weeks and can get to talk about it properly.

"I went away for the World Cup and it was an amazing experience. This summer coming up could be another time when I could get more experience at tournament level."

Shaw praised United's record signing Angel di Maria, who scored one goal and made another in the 2-1 victory over Roberto Martinez's side.

He said: "He's brilliant every week and everyone is seeing what a world-class player he is. Us teammates hope he can carry that form on. He's wonderful in the changing room too and hopefully he can keep that going.

"He's unbelievable and I think everyone knows what a world-class player he is. You saw that again."

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