England Injury Update: Huge setback for Gareth Southgate as four players miss first training session at St George’s Park

Jordan Henderson, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane were among the names when England announced their squad for the upcoming international break. However, the four players were not seen in The Three Lions latest training session. 

All of these names are still with the England squad at St George’s Park but having individual session indoors. It is known that Kane suffered an injury after hitting himself into the goal post during Bayern Munich’s 5-2 victory over Darmstadt.

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Special treatment for the England players on the first training day

Jordan Henderson is also reportedly having a fitness issue. The former Liverpool skipper only played 65 minutes with Ajax when the capital side faced Sparta Rotterdam. On the other hand the in-form Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer also had a special treatment in the training camp. 

“He has had a big influence on Ajax since he’s been there, and I know they are very happy with him,” said Southgate regarding his decision to call Henderson. “We know what he brings, we know the leadership he brings, and you saw in the game last week, the game understanding he has, and we must have some balance with all of the attacking players that we have. Hendo is somebody that brings a lot to the team.”

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka needs more time to get his feet back on the grass after helping Arsenal move to the Champions League’s quarter final last week. The 22-year old forward has played 32 games for the senior team and would be given another chance this week against either Brazil or Belgium.

Gareth Southgate calling young players for England duty

Gareth Southgate would take these two friendlies to assess his final squad for the Euro 2024 this summer. He called up Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, giving the player first senior team call-up, as well as Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon.

“He has played consistently well,” Southgate said. “We watched him as a back-up centre-half for the Under-21 EUROs so if you had said to me then that he would play as consistently well at Premier League level as he has, then I would have questioned that last summer.

“Jarrad is good with the ball, shows good composure, has a good mentality and he is a left-footer, which we don’t have many left-footed defenders. So he is in on merit and we’re really keen to work with him and find out a bit more about him.”

Gordon’s performance this season so far also catched the national team manager’s attention. The Scouser has scored eleven goals for The Magpies since coming in January for €45.60 million. 

“Consistently good performances,” Southgate remarked on Gordon. “He was very close in November – which we said at the time – and he has continued his form.

He is scoring, his work for the team is excellent, he competes – which is important – and I really like his attitude.”