Despite the inclusion of both Aaron Ramsdale and Declan Rice against Bosnia and Herzegovina, England star Bukayo Saka was confirmed to be missing the game.
Saka was included in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man group for England’s pre-Euro 2024 training camp, named alongside two Arsenal teammates.
Both Saka and Rice are expected to start for England in Germany this summer, even if Ramsdale is likely to settle for a spot on the bench.
Ramsdale did once have a strong claim to replace Jordan Pickford, but is now out of contention given he’s lost his club spot to David Raya.
Similarly, Eddie Nketiah made his England debut last October, but has now been overlooked given his lack of football at the Emirates Stadium.
Gareth Southgate explains Bukayo Saka fitness plan ahead of Euro 2024
Speaking at his press conference on Sunday ahead of England facing Bosnia and Herzegovina at Wembley, Southgate confirmed that Saka wouldn’t feature.
Saka was one of five players expected to miss out, alongside John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Anthony Gordon.
And having missed Arsenal’s final game of the season against Everton through injury, Southgate confirmed that Saka was progressing well, but the England physios are being careful.
Southgate explained: “Bukayo is fine, he’s progressing well but the periodisation we’ve taken from his injury is to rest tomorrow and then he should be available for Friday [against Iceland].”
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house
Monday’s friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of two at Wembley this week, with England also facing Iceland on Friday.
Saka and his England teammates will then start their tournament against Serbia on June 16, playing at FC Schalke’s Veltins-Arena.
Ben White will miss another summer of football for England
Of course, from an Arsenal fans perspective, it’s hard to watch England without envisioning what Ben White could offer Southgate’s team right now.
Disagreements aside, White would be an undisputed start for his country, a player who would allow the England manager greater tactical freedom.
However, having been overlooked for the 33-man squad mentioned, Southgate did share a more transparent update on White’s England omission this time around.
Speaking towards the end of last month, Southgate was asked if he gave White a call and simply said: “No. As far as I am aware he is unavailable.”