Luke Shaw opened the scoring for England in the Euro 2020 final against Italy with a wonderfully hit strike that stunned the visitors at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The Manchester United left-back became the fastest player to score in a European Championship final when his half-volley bested Gianluigi Donnarumma in the second minute of the match.
Remarkably, it was Shaw's first goal in an England shirt, the perfect time to score it, and the side's only shot in the entirety of the first half, giving them a one-goal lead at the interval. Unfortunately, it was not enough to lead them to victory though, with the Italians equalising and going on to win on penalties.
The manner of Shaw's finish drew high praise from former Chelsea and Fulham winger Damien Duff, who commended the full-back for his technique and his overall role in a splendid team move.
“Pleased for him, it’s a great goal. Especially off the back of Mourinho still having a pop at him last week, even though he’s not even his manager anymore," the ex-Ireland international told RTÉ at half-time of the tie.
“He starts the move and finishes it. (Harry) Kane dropped deep, he’s so good at it, picking the right pass.
“We talk about formations, yes they don’t have their most attacking players on the pitch, but even in this 3-4-3 you can still get bodies high up the pitch. It’s ironic that it’s the two wing-backs that play a big, big part in it.
“(Kieran) Trippier out on the right, we know he has top, top delivery, and Shaw obviously arriving late. Great run by Kane, which narrowed (Giovanni) Di Lorenzo.
“The finish - you know, many people would try and hit that on the full, be safe with it and side foot it. He actually lets it bounce and hits it on the half-volley on the laces. It’s probably the hardest technique to finish it off there.
“But absolutely incredible goal and an amazing start."
