England coach Gareth Southgate has revealed that winger Bukayo Saka may not be ready to face Ukraine on Saturday after hitting a target.
The Arsenal team has so far had an excellent Euro 2020 and impresses in its two matches against the Czech Republic and Germany.
Saka had been expected to continue his start on Saturday when England travel to Rome to face Ukraine, but Southgate admitted he will need to make a late call about the 19-year-old’s condition before the match.
“We just have to control Bukayo, who had a slight knock today,” the boss said (via Sky Sports News). “Other than that everyone is available.”
A potential injury for Saka could open the door for Jadon Sancho, left Manchester United, who surprisingly is still waiting for double-digit minutes in the competition.
Saka has impressed this summer / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Along with Sancho, Southgate can also choose between Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount or Marcus Rashford, with Raheem Sterling expected to keep his place on the left after his run with three goals in four games this summer.
“I have always said that it is impossible to keep everyone happy, to choose a team that everyone agrees on,” Southgate continued. “But we have to choose the right player for the right moment, to know what will cause the opposition most problems, physically where all the players are, when is the best time for them to make an impact.
“They have all been incredibly respectful of their teammates and the fact that we have gained this strength in depth.
Sancho is still waiting for his first minutes / Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
“Raheem has been on fire. His goal has made it harder for some others to get on the left side.”
England enter Saturday’s match as favorites to advance to the semi-finals, where either Denmark or the Czech Republic await.
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