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Ben Reeves’ loyalties lie with Northern Ireland but the Gills midfielder has good reason to keep a keen eye on England’s Euro 2020 final.
Reeves grew up in the same Southampton youth team as Three Lions defender Luke Shaw and says his old friend can be the best left-back in the world.
Shaw’s performances have impressed plenty, including one of the most iconic left-backs of all time in Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.
And the Manchester United star looks certain to start when England take on Italy at Wembley on Sunday.
“I’ve always said to anyone who ever asked me, he could be the best left-back in the world and I think he’s started to show that,” said Reeves, 29.
“He just had that natural ability, natural power.
"I’ve never seen anyone beat him in a one v one, he’s got a brilliant left foot and physically he can deal with anyone really.
Gills midfielder Ben Reeves believes Three Lions star Luke Shaw is a cut above the rest
“I saw him shoulder-barge boys off the ball when he was playing in the Championship for Southampton or the Premier League for Southampton when he was 17.
"He just had that naturally. Hopefully he can continue because he really is a top player and he can be the best left-back in the world.
“I got on with him really well. On the football pitch, technically, everything came naturally to him.
"He had the outside of the foot, inside of the foot, he never let himself down technically, it was just I think he had a couple of bad injuries when he went to United that maybe held him back and they can be difficult to come back from, leg breaks.
“I’m just glad he’s doing well now and hopefully he can really prove to people that did doubt him that he is the best left-back in the world.
“Hopefully he can do that for a long period of time.”
Reeves, who joined Gillingham from Plymouth last month, is backing England to win their first European Championship.
He said: “I think there’s less pressure on England now, not being clear favourites or proper favourites, like they were against Denmark, and I think it’ll be a more entertaining game.
"Hopefully both teams can draw that out of each other. I think 2-1 England.”
