Saka injury and doubt over Kane deal blow to England’s Euros preparations

Gareth Southgate’s preparations for Euro 2024 have been hit by Bukayo Saka leaving the England camp and an ankle injury meaning Harry Kane is unlikely to feature in Saturday’s friendly against Brazil.

A minor muscle issue stopped Saka from training with the squad on Wednesday and the Arsenal winger has returned to his club as a precautionary measure. They play at Manchester City a week on Sunday. The 22-year-old’s departure is a blow for Southgate, who will not be able to play his first-choice front three when his side host Brazil at Wembley.

The expectation had been that England would line up with Phil Foden on the left, Kane up front and Saka on the right against the five-time world champions. But Kane has been struggling with an ankle issue picked up with Bayern Munich last weekend and is expected to miss out. His absence could give Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney a chance to show they can deputise for the England captain at this summer’s Euros. Kane is hopeful of featuring when Belgium visit Wembley on Tuesday.

Watkins started England’s previous match – the 1-1 draw with North Macedonia in November – and has been in prolific form for Aston Villa this season. He scored England’s winner against Australia in October.

Toney has returned to the squad after his ban for breaching betting regulations and has a chance to catch Southgate’s eye over the next week. It is likely Southgate would have named his strongest side against Brazil and rotated against Belgium.

There will be opportunities for squad players to press their claims for a spot on the plane to Germany. Saka’s absence could mean a start for Marcus Rashford on the left, with Foden moving to the right. Rashford could also be an option through the middle, though he has been more effective out wide for England. Other options on the flanks include Jarrod Bowen, James Maddison, Cole Palmer and the uncapped Anthony Gordon.