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Shaw feeling good

Cape Town - Young Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is fit and raring to go ahead of England's two international fixtures.

The 19-year-old told ManUtd.com before he joined Roy Hodgson's squad: "I feel really strong and fit and I'm going there with a positive attitude.

"It's a massive thing to play for your country. It’s different to playing league games and national football means a lot to everyone in England. The players cherish it.

“We haven’t had the best of times recently but we want to show people what we can do. We want to become the best country in the world and it’s going to take time, but eventually I’m sure one day it’ll be our time.”

Shaw is looking forward to the Scotland game at Celtic Park, which he expects will be more than a low-key friendly encounter.

“I think it will be very intense and a great game,” he said.

“I’m sure it’ll be one everyone will be watching – no doubt it’ll be a packed stadium.

“It’s something all the players are looking forward to. The players won’t take it as a friendly; we want to win and enjoy it.”

Shaw continued: “I’ve not been involved in too many rivalry games but we’ve seen in the past how much it means to the players and fans – everyone wants to win it.

“I’ve been involved in a couple of huge matches recently, against Chelsea and City, and you could see how passionate everyone was and how much it meant to everyone. It’s something that will be unbelievable to be involved in.”

Before then, England have the chance to beat Slovenia and make it four wins from four in Group F, though the visitors are second in the table and will provide a stern test.

“It’ll be a tough game,” Shaw said. “Playing England, especially at Wembley, is a huge game for them. They aren’t going to come with a negative attitude; they’re going to come to win.

“It’s a qualifier and they need to pick up points, just like we do. We’re at home so we need to take the game to them. We need to carry on playing as well as we are and keep picking up points.”

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