The Southampton left-back, who won his first England cap against Denmark in March, is with the national team again in Portugal for a week-long training camp after being named in Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad that will travel to Brazil next month.
And speaking to the media earlier this week alongside Saints team-mate Rickie Lambert, Shaw says it was “the best feeling in the world” when he found out he’d be on the plane.
“I was very surprised,” admitted Shaw. “With Ashley Cole not playing that many games, I thought I’d stand a chance. He played the last three games of the season, and did incredibly well.”
“I remember the last World Cup, sitting at home with my family on the settee, thinking that one day I want to play in one"
Luke Shaw
He continued: “When the squad was announced, it was the best feeling in the world. My family and friends were all so proud, and I’m still only 18 and I’m going to a World Cup.
“I remember the last World Cup, sitting at home with my family on the settee, thinking that one day I want to play in one of these tournaments – but I didn’t think it would be as soon as it has happened.”
From the youth of Shaw to the 32-year-old Lambert – the feeling of joy remains the same.
As Shaw watched the last World Cup with his family dreaming of appearing in it one day, striker Lambert had just completed his first season at Southampton.
Lambert, who scored on his Three Lions debut against Scotland last August, says he is enjoying every moment of his international career.
“It’s fantastic and I’m loving it,” he said. “I’ve been here for a days and it’s a dream come true, it’s as simple as that.
“I’ve said it before, but it is, it means everything to me. It’s the best moment of my career and I’m enjoying every minute.
"And looking back to the last tournament in South Africa four years ago, Lambert says his own career was just getting p and running.
He added: “It was just starting to pick up. I’d just joined Southampton in League One and missed out on the play-offs – but we’d just won the JPT [Johnstone’s Paint Trophy]. It was a good season, but obviously, it was a million miles away from where I am now.”
He added: “To come from League One, and four years later be in the Premier League with Southampton and have three players in the England squad, it’s unbelievable. Its full credit to everyone involved.”
Watch the full press conference with both Luke Shaw and Rickie Lambert in full via the video player above.
