Gareth Southgate assesses injured trio ahead of international friendly
- Simon Bullock
- 6 June 2021
“We know there is always that risk, but all of the guide is that he should be available, and it's a case of when he can slot back into training with the group and how quickly we can progress him.”
This evening, England take on Romania in their final friendly game before Euro 2020.
Bukayo Saka's second-half goal handed Gareth Southgate's men a 1-0 victory over Austria on Wednesday.
The England boss will have a much wider selection of players to choose from tonight with players called-up from Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea joining the squad.
The likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford are available for the first time since playing in European finals for their respective clubs.
Southgate will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold not only for tonight's meeting but also the Euro 2020 after suffering a thigh injury against Austria.
"It's heart-breaking, really, for any player to get to the eve of a major tournament, be named in the squad and then miss out through injury," Southgate said.
"You know how rare these opportunities are and even though he's a young player who is going to have those opportunities again - I firmly believe that - that's a really difficult moment for him especially."
In addition to Trent's injury, it has been reported by The Athletic that Saka is currently out of action with a hip problem.
However, it is not one that is expected to keep the 19-year-old on the sidelines for a prolonged period.
When asked about the other injuries in the England camp, Southgate was able to give an update on Jordan Henderson.
"The plan, as it was on Wednesday, will be that he's involved in the game. The last two, three days training have been a lot more positive for him.
"I think the confidence of having a scan that showed no issues has helped him to push forward with his rehabilitation and training. He's been visibly happier within himself I think and that's a positive sign."
Jadon Sancho will return to the fold after missing the win over Austria with a throat infection and Kalvin Phillips is also available for selection having recovered from a shoulder injury.
The Three Lions boss did not sound too optimistic when talking about the chances of Harry Maguire playing any time soon.
"With any injury, it's impossible to predict 100 per cent," Southgate said. Our medical team is pleased with his progress, and particularly over the last couple of days.
"We know there is always that risk, but all of the guide is that he should be available, and it's a case of when he can slot back into training with the group and how quickly we can progress him."
Southgate also spoke about fans booing his players for taking a knee in their previous international meeting.
The former Middlesbrough coach defended their decision to take a knee and said that his team are "more determined than ever" to carry on the gesture going forward.
"The first thing is we are collectively really disappointed that [the booing] happened. Some people decide to boo - I think those people should put themselves in the shoes of those young players and how that must feel, and if that was their children, how would they feel about their kids being in that sort of situation," he added.
