Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer are among eight players who have withdrawn from England’s squad of UEFA Nations League matches, due to injury, ruling them out, according to ESPN.
The absences create a significant shake-up for manager Gareth Southgate as England prepares to face Greece on Thursday, followed by a clash with the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
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8 Key Players out of UEFA Nations League Matches
Other prominent players sidelined for these key fixtures include Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Ramsdale, and Declan Rice.
This list of absentees includes some of England’s brightest talents, whose contributions will be sorely missed on the pitch.
In response, Southgate has called up several fresh faces to bolster the squad, including Morgan Rogers, Jarrod Bowen, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tino Livramento, and James Trafford.
This unexpected roster change offers a valuable opportunity for emerging players to showcase their skills on the international stage and make a case for future call-ups.
As England navigates these adjustments, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the revamped squad performs.
The UEFA Nations League fixtures offer a test not only of England’s depth but also of Southgate’s adaptability in handling unexpected challenges.