England Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Euro 2024 with Key Players Sidelined

England’s preparations for Euro 2024 face a setback as Gareth Southgate grapples with an injury crisis, sidelining key players such as Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and others ahead of testing friendlies against Belgium and Brazil.

Bukayo Saka‘s recent withdrawal adds to the challenges, with doubts looming over the availability of captain Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson for the Brazil clash.

The upcoming friendlies present an opportunity for fringe players like Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins to stake their claims for a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad, given the limited spots available.

Southgate, amid the injury concerns, is tasked with assessing various players who now have a chance to impress and secure their places in the England setup.

Following the injuries, England’s squad for the upcoming friendlies includes names like Jarrad Branthwaite, Joe Gomez, and Kobbie Mainoo, who received a late call-up.

The England boss is expected to name a preliminary squad for Euro 2024 after the Premier League concludes, with final selections to be made after more warm-up fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland.

Southgate will be closely evaluating the performances of players like Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon in the absence of key regulars.

The looming friendlies may also see a shootout between Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins for a spot as Kane’s understudy, with only limited spaces up for grabs in England’s tournament squad.

England’s immediate focus shifts to the upcoming games against Brazil and Belgium, where standout performances could earn players a ticket to Euro 2024.