Jose Mourinho: 'Proper football player' Luke Shaw deserves his England call-up

The 23-year-old has probably been Manchester United’s best performer in a difficult start to the season

Jose Mourinho has praised Luke Shaw and his staff, in making the left-back “a proper football player”, saying that an England call-up was reward for “hard work”.

The 23-year-old has probably been Manchester United’s best performer in a difficult start to the season that has seen them lose twice, and his manager said he is stronger physically and mentally and “tactically has a better understanding”.

It has led to a call-up for the national team’s matches against Spain and Switzerland next week.

“In relation to Luke Shaw, a big week for him that ends with a very important match against Burnley. He played three very good matches and it is not easy to play three very good matches when your team didn’t win, especially against Brighton, he kept that consistency.

"If next his manager decides to give him minutes against Spain or Switzerland, that will obviously be very good for him.

“In this moment, he is feeling really the good results of the hard work of many people that work against him and try to make him a proper football player, because a proper football player is a player of consistency.

"Mentally, physically, he is stronger. Tactically, he has a better understanding and we are very happy for him. It is extraordinary for him.”