England head coach Gareth Southgate has confirmed that key players from Arsenal and Manchester City will be absent from the Three Lions’ lineup for Monday’s friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
This inaugural match between the two teams, hosted at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, is the first of two crucial warm-up games before Euro 2024. Following this, England will face Iceland at Wembley, their final tune-up before challenging Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia in Group C of the European Championships.
Southgate disclosed in Sunday’s press conference that he won’t have his full squad of 33 available on Monday night, highlighting the unexpected absences of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and Manchester City defender John Stones. Both players are on individual training programs, with no major concerns for their fitness.
Saka, a consistent performer for Arsenal this season, has been dealing with minor injuries, while Stones has faced injury challenges and limited playtime at Manchester City. Southgate explained, “John has reported later and will follow an individual program. Bukayo is fine, he will rest tomorrow and should be available by Friday.”
In total, nine players will miss Monday’s match. Late arrivals Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Phil Foden, and Kyle Walker are unavailable due to recent cup finals, while Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Anthony Gordon are recovering from injuries. Southgate provided a positive update, especially on Gordon’s progress, suggesting he could be available by Friday, though Maguire and Shaw’s return is less certain.
Moreover, Southgate will not risk captain Harry Kane from the start due to a back problem. Instead, Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney will lead the attack. The absences of Saka and Foden create intense competition for wide positions, with Cole Palmer and Jarrod Bowen vying for starts. Eberechi Eze and Jack Grealish will compete for the left-wing spot, while defensive uncertainties loom due to multiple absences, except for stand-in captain Kieran Trippier’s guaranteed start.
Trippier may start on either flank, with Joe Gomez or Ezri Konsa as potential options. Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk are expected to replace Stones and Maguire in central defense, while uncapped Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah are on standby for their potential England debuts.
