Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is more than happy to represent the England under-21 side in next year’s European Championships.

Much has been made of players with senior caps being “demoted” back down to the younger age groups but Shaw turned up for training yesterday with the young lions — despite limping off in United’s 2-1 victory over Everton on Sunday with a possible hamstring injury — ahead of their play-off against Croatia, with the first leg on Friday at Molineux.

Should Gareth Southgate’s side progress after the two legs, they will qualify for the tournament next summer in Czech Republic.

Shaw, as well as Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere, still are eligible for the Under-21s and the former Southampton left-back said he would be more than happy to play in the tournament next June.

“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.

“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 we can get to talk about it properly then.

“Tournament experience is vital for any young player and something that needs to be built up before you get promoted into the senior team,” the 19-year-old said.

“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.”