Gareth Southgate has confirmed Bukayo Saka is still “in contention” for Arsenal’s big match against Manchester City this Sunday, justifying his England spot despite a muscle concern and adding that the national team can be completely “trusted” with the fitness of their call-ups. The manager meanwhile added that other players have done more than the omitted Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount.
England play Italy in a decisive Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley on Tuesday week, with Southgate hoping Saka makes it through until then. An injury from Arsenal’s surprise Champions League defeat to Lens has put the forward in doubt for Sunday, raising questions over whether he should even have been called up. Southgate indicated that there is a chance he plays from the substantial exchange of information between England and the club, and that also ensures there is never any “risk” taken. He had similarly been asked whether Saka is playing too much football.
