Shaw has started all three of England’s games in Qatar (Picture: Getty)

Luke Shaw has revealed his grandmother passed away shortly before England’s opening match of the World Cup and hopes to use her memory as motivation to succeed in Qatar.

The Manchester United full-back has started all three of England’s group matches, playing the full 90 minutes against Iran and USA before being replaced after 65 in Tuesday’s victory over Wales.

Speaking after that 3-0 win, Shaw explained his grandmother died just before the competition got underway having battled cancer.

While he was offered the opportunity to take time away by England boss Gareth Southgate, he decided to remain with the squad.

‘My Nan sadly passed away before (the tournament),’ Shaw told The Athletic. ‘She had cancer for a long while and unfortunately she passed away just before the first game.

‘But of course Gareth was really good with me, spoke to me and said: Is everything ok?’ If I need to have time away just focus on that.

‘But I’m here, this World Cup means so much to me and I didn’t want to miss anything.’

Shaw praised Southgate’s understanding (Picture: Getty)

Asked if he if using her memory as a source of motivation in Qatar, Shaw added: She was a really important part of my childhood. I spent a lot of time with her.

‘Unfortunately … she had cancer for a long while and suffered a lot, so it had been a long thing. But I’ve had time to grieve and fully focus on the World Cup.’

England’s 3-0 win over Wales saw them qualify as group winners with a last 16 clash against Senegal awaiting on Sunday.

Shaw’s United teammate Marcus Rashford scored twice on the night, taking his tally for the tournament to three.

After netting a stunning free kick five minutes into the second-half, Rashford pointed to the sky as his celebration, later revealing it was a dedication to a close friend who had also recently passed away following a battle with cancer.

‘Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago,’ Rashford said.

‘He’s had quite a long battle with cancer so I’m pleased I managed to score for him He’s always been a big supporter of mine, he was just a great person and I’m pleased he came into my life really.’

MORE : Damien Duff dismisses England’s chances of World Cup glory

MORE : Marcus Rashford reveals emotional reason behind goal celebration during England win over Wales

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.