England will be without FIVE stars including Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka for friendly against Bosnia, confirms Southgate
ENGLAND will be without Bukayo Saka, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Anthony Gordon for tomorrow’s clash with Bosnia.
Boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed that all five players will miss out on the St James’ Park friendly.
After Gordon, Maguire and Shaw missed out on training this morning, Southgate was asked about their respective statuses.
He said: “All are progressing well. We’re pleased with the progress they’ve made.
“None of them will be involved tomorrow. Same tomorrow for Bukayo and probably the same tomorrow for John Stones.
“Everybody else will be involved.”
Southgate, 53, was then asked for further clarity on Saka and Stones’ situations – given that they both trained this morning.
The Three Lions boss said: “John because he reported a bit later, hasn’t worked with us for the number of days, so better for him to follow an individual programme for the next couple of days.
“Bukayo’s fine, he’s progressing well. But periodisation we’ve taken from his injury we’ve taken is to rest tomorrow and then he should be available for Friday.”
Southgate then revealed that Gordon is “likely” to be ready to return for Friday’s match against Iceland.
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But he added that Maguire and Shaw being involved is much less certain.
Champions League winner Jude Bellingham will not play a part in either friendly.
The Real Madrid star is likely to join up with England late next week.
Asked about Bellingham’s Champions League success, Southgate said: “He’s had a fantastic season.
“To join the biggest club in the world and perform in the way he has throughout the season, it’s been an incredible year for him.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him to win last night.”
Following their FA Cup final commitments, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo have not trained.
But Jack Grealish, who was an unused substitute in the cup final, has been training with the Three Lions.