NewsZara Shaw: Anfield goal, next season, 'close-knit' Reds and more
Zara Shaw reflected on the 'amazing feeling' of scoring at Anfield, which has whetted her appetite for the 2026-27 campaign with Liverpool FC Women.
The 18-year-old made her long-awaited comeback from injury in April and claimed the Standard Chartered Player of the Month award following an impactful return.
On her first appearance in more than 400 days, she scored the winning goal against Charlton Athletic in the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.
Shaw also netted in the Reds' defeat to Arsenal in L4 in their final outing of the Barclays Women's Super League campaign earlier this month.
"It was an amazing feeling," she told Liverpoolfc.com. "Even just it being at Anfield, the occasion and getting to come on. To score again was lovely. My family were buzzing.
"My dad was in the stands with one of his friends and I don't think he actually realised initially that it was me who put it in so when my name came up on the scoreboard he flipped! They're just so proud. Even for them, they're gutted that the season is over as I'm starting to get going but it'll be a good summer."
Read on for the rest of the interview with Shaw.
On a summer camp and fixtures with England U20s…
This season has been short and sweet for me. I've spent way too much time away from the pitch, but I'm going to be working hard all the way throughout the summer and there's international opportunities potentially coming up. It's about staying fit, staying ready and hopefully everything goes to plan.
On next season…
It's early days in terms of Gareth [Taylor] and Chad [Gribble] seeing me. It's a first impression for them and I'm working under a new set of staff, so they're helping me with what I'm good at and what I need to get better at. There are definitely ways I can improve and help this team. I believe that and I think they believe that as well. So, I'm excited for the new season and hopefully we can get a strong pre-season under our belts and go again.
On her versatility…
It's not a bad problem to have that I can play a few different positions and roles. That may lead to more opportunities. While I'm still finding my feet and taking on new information, it's exciting.
On the closeness of her teammates…
They have been everything really; so, so important, along with my people at home, my family and close friends. They can tell when you're having a bad day in here and are always trying to pick you up. Without them, it would have been a real struggle. We've got such a close-knit group, it's special and we all bring the best out of each other.