• Premier League

United showing Shaw the world-class way, says Southgate

Luke Shaw has discovered what it takes to become a 'world class' player after training alongside the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria at Manchester United.

After a difficult start to his Old Trafford career, Shaw will quickly step up to the elite level because of the quality of his team-mates, according to England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate.

Shaw dropped down from the senior England squad for the Under-21's Euro qualifier against Croatia on Tuesday after receiving criticism for a lack of form and fitness earlier this season.

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Southgate however, insisted that Shaw's £27 million summer move to United from Southampton will improve his game.

"I think what he now has is a recognition of what 'world class' looks like," Southgate said. "He might have had an idea of what he thought it was before, but training at Manchester United with the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria has given him a full understanding of the concept now.

"He would have known there was a level, but now he knows there is a level above that.

"He was able to share those stories among our lads in the U21s because all players at times in their careers think they are nearly there - and then you discover you still have a bit of a way to go.

"You continually have to strive to be better than you are and Luke realises that now."

Shaw was part of the Under-21s side that defeated Croatia 4-2 on aggregate to qualify for Euro 2015 and there have been suggestions that other youngsters from the senior squad could drop down to boost Southgate's side for the Championship in the Czech Republic.

The likes of Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling are all eligible to appear for the Under-21s, while defender Calum Chambers would have played for them on Tuesday had England's senior right-back John Stones not picked up an ankle injury.

While Under-21 captain Jack Butland welcomed the prospect of receiving help from above, he warned any players dropping down that they should not expect any preferential treatment.

"That is why it is good being a player not a manager picking this squad," Butland said. "We have a fantastic amount of talent in this 22 of players. We have had players who have gone up and come down. Luke has come down and it is like he never left.

"We are confident whoever it is, we will get on really well. We will welcome anyone in. First of all we have to continue play the way we do. If people come down from the seniors it doesn't mean they run things. Everyone works for their position. That is the mentality we have had.

"Everyone fights for their place so they deserve it. We have to keep that next summer. We have got to carry that forward now to the bigger stage in the summer. Losing and going out was not an option because we have too much talent. Now we need some really tough friendlies.

"Playing against teams who will push us to the limit. We might lose. But we have got to learn to play against the top teams. We might beat them. That is the only way we will be prepared for the finals next summer. Then we will assess where we are at."

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