A severe injury crisis has hit Gareth Southgate’s England team, with key player Harry Kane considered doubtful for the international break. In the midst of preparations for Euro 2024, England will lock horns with Brazil and Belgium at Wembley, but fitness worries are hindering the announcement of the strongest lineup. Southgate, who had recently entered into controversy over Nike’s multicoloured St George’s Cross flag design for the new kit, failed to call up several key players to his squad last week, as selection woes increase ahead of Saturday’s friendly match against Brazil.
Defensive issues, with Reece James, Luke Shaw, Levi Colwill, and Kieran Trippier sidelined, were the primary focus, but other roles are also being impacted. Jordan Henderson, the Ajax midfielder, is ruled out for the game against Brazil, and holes are emerging in the attack. Bukayo Saka withdrew from the squad due to muscle trouble, Cole Palmer’s fitness for the Belgium game is in question, and Kane is grappling with an ankle issue.
Faced with England’s final prep camp before June, the situation leaves much to be desired for Southgate. He labelled Kane’s odds of playing against Belgium as slim and has been mulling over whether the mounting pressures on the players are impacting their availability. Speaking on the situation, the England manager said, “Everyone wants simple solutions to complex problems,” adding that, “What’s clear is we’ve got a long list of 40-odd players and a third are unavailable for tomorrow’s game, which is the highest we’ve ever had. Kane’s chances for Belgium are in serious doubt.”
Southgate also noted the effect of clubs embarking on post-season tours, highlighting that some team members are expected to fly long distances given that Newcastle and Tottenham are scheduled for a friendly match in Australia only three days after the Premier League’s final whistle.
Southgate highlighted the increasing frequency of matches, pointing out that due to financial fair play, clubs are compelled to generate their own income. This usually translates to more games, an unfortunate circumstance for team preparation, according to Southgate. However, he remains optimistic, stating that they are accustomed to such prep, having gone to Qatar with only five days’ preparation.
Regarding team player changes, Conor Gallagher may succeed Henderson in the midfield. However, Kobbie Mainoo, an 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder, is a recent entrant into the competition and hot on Gallagher’s heels. Mainoo earned his first call-up recently. Southgate praised Mainoo and stated they have been considering his age in their deliberations. Despite being a young player, he has left a positive impression on the team due to the challenges faced with Henderson.
Southgate expressed his bewilderment over the new England shirt’s design. The kit, which costs as much as £124.99, has replaced the traditional red and white flag with a new design on the collar. This has ignited a wave of critiques directed at Nike and the FA over the cost and alteration of the national flag. Southgate stated his preference for the St George’s flag, asserting that the new design cannot be considered the national flag if it deviates from the red and white format. Despite recognizing it as unique, he insisted the primary focus of the England shirt should be the Three Lions emblem, seeing as he identifies as a patriot. He concluded by expressing his confusion over changing the St George’s flag, while voicing his opinion that it should be celebrated more.