(Football news) A group of twenty-six players has been chosen by Gareth Southgate to play friendly against Brazil and Belgium on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively. The games are the players’ last opportunity to make an impression before the Three Lions team is announced for Euro 2024.

To lead England into this weekend’s thrilling match at Wembley against the five-time world winners, however, seems highly unlikely as of right now. Kane was forced to leave the game in the latter moments of Bayern Munich’s 5-2 triumph over Darmstadt due to an ankle injury. 

Harry Kane would want to do everything possible to feature in the showcase occasion, yet his participation – particularly from the start – is uncertain. Meanwhile, Saka is one of three players – the others being Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer – to be restricted to their own individual programmes.

Saka’s inclusion on that list is notable courtesy of Arsenal having not played for over a week when they defeated Porto in a penalty shootout in the Champions League last 16. Extra time was completed with Saka seemingly not sustaining any issues, the 22-year-old also stepping up to convert from the spot after 120 minutes of action.

In Henderson and Palmer’s cases, they participated in Sunday afternoon games on behalf of their respective teams, Ajax and Chelsea. Ajax labored to a 2-2 draw at Sparta Rotterdam, and Henderson was substituted on at the 65-minute mark, having just assisted.

With the distinction of being named Man-of-the-Match, Palmer appeared to have recovered from his 90-minute match against Leicester City, and there was no reason for alarm based on his post-match media obligations.

The inclusion of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who was called up to the squad a day later, may have been due to concerns about Henderson’s participation, as fellow regular Kalvin Phillips had already been pulled out. Mainoo began playing alongside his new colleagues.

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