Saka And Stones Among England Absentees For Euro 2024 Warm-Up Match

England will be without Bukayo Saka, John Stones, and Harry Maguire for Monday's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, manager Gareth Southgate confirmed on Sunday. Saka will be rested after missing Arsenal's last Premier League game of the season, while Stones is still finding fitness after his club campaign with title-winning Manchester City.

In more concerning news for the Three Lions, Manchester United pair Maguire and Luke Shaw are potential longer-term absentees ahead of Euro 2024, which starts on June 14 in Germany. "All are progressing well," Southgate said at his pre-match press conference. "We are pleased with the progress they've made; none of them will be involved tomorrow."

Southgate added, "Same tomorrow for Bukayo Saka and for John Stones. Everybody else will be involved. John has reported a bit later so hasn't worked with us; he will follow an individual programme. Bukayo is fine; he will be rested tomorrow and should be available by Friday."

Anthony Gordon is another doubt after reporting for England duty following an impressive season with Newcastle United. "Gordon has a chance to be available for Friday," Southgate added. "The other two [Maguire and Shaw] are more unlikely; let's see how far they can go."

Though there are injury concerns, Southgate will likely head to the upcoming European Championship with a similar defence to what helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2018. The Three Lions boss says that proves the quality of his defence, which includes Maguire, Stones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

"It's testimony to their consistency," Southgate continued. "They've all been playing at top clubs throughout that time. They have delivered in the biggest matches under intense pressure. There is a bond in that group from experiencing the big nights together."

Southgate also noted the emergence of good young defenders who have been integrated into the team smoothly. "What they are brilliant at is making the players feel welcome. They have allowed them to settle in as any of those players could be in the team over the next five or six weeks," he said.

Trippier to Captain

Kieran Trippier is expected to captain the side in the absence of Harry Kane, who is not likely to start but should be fit from the bench after his back injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich. "It's going to be very special," the Newcastle defender said of captaining his country.

"I have to thank Gareth for giving me that trust. But if I have the armband or not, or if I play or not, I will always be there for the team. To lead the lads out will be special. My son will be mascot as well," Trippier added.