England coach Gareth Southgate said on Monday that an “incredible” cascade of injuries had allowed unexpected players to join the Three Lions selection, which is playing one last match before the announcement of the list for the Euro-2024.
England, one of the favorite teams to win the tournament in Germany (June 14 – July 14), faces Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday, with a team handicapped by a long list of major absentees including captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire, or even Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson.
Southgate’s men must bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday – their first defeat since the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in December 2022.
They now face Belgium, fourth in the FIFA world rankings, for their last match before June 7, when the lists are announced, a week before the start of the tournament.
Southgate has had to deal with a number of injuries to key players, firstly before announcing his selection for the Brazil and Belgium matches and during training camp.
“It’s an incredible number of players unavailable, but it means there are possibilities for other players. It’s more and more difficult at the international level.”
Not afraid of novelty, Southgate has already launched young prospects against Brazil like Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Newcastle left winger Anthony Gordon and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa to replace evening captain Kyle Walker , hurt.
Southgate has confirmed that Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham could play the full match after he was forced off against cramp-crippled Brazil.
Declan Rice, Arsenal midfielder, one of the Three Lions executives, was promoted to team captain for his 50th cap in the absence of Harry Kane and Kyle Walker.
“He has great leadership and experience even at his young age,” praised Southgate. “It’s a great opportunity for young players to show leadership.”
The new conscripts bring “a different perception of the group, a different dynamic. Many players in the current team are the future in the medium and long term,” said the England coach.
