England handed Bukayo Saka concern as Gareth Southgate makes decision on Euro 2024 opener

Prior to their opening match against Serbia on Sunday at Euro 2024, England has travelled to Germany; however, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has become doubtful due to an injury.

A fitness concern for England ahead of the Euros is Bukayo Saka.

Saka, an Arsenal winger, has been named Player of the Year the past two seasons and, when healthy, is a surefire starter for England. Saka, 22, has made 11 goals in 33 appearances for his country, although he was forced to miss some of England’s training sessions and Arsenal’s season finale.

With assistance from the Football Association’s medical staff, Saka’s training regimen has been overseen by England manager Gareth Southgate. Saka played just 25 minutes as a substitute against Iceland at Wembley and did not start either friendly match.

For one of England’s most important players, that is unimaginable since he is so essential to Southgate’s objectives. Following Friday’s loss to Iceland, Southgate acknowledged that Saka had skipped a number of training sessions.

Saka still hopes to be fully recovered and ready to go for England next Sunday when they play Serbia in their first Group game. It would be devastating for England to be without him, but they will need to keep a close eye on his health this week and intensify his training to make sure he is ready.

Saka played a key role for Arsenal in the previous season, albeit he did exhibit indications of weariness in the latter stages of the game. The winger then had a groyne injury during shooting drills in training, which prevented him from playing in Arsea’s championship game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is starting to seem like the favourite to start the match against Serbia. After two strong outings in their warm-up friendly, Alexander-Arnold is favoured to start in midfield next to Declan Rice.

England boss Gareth Southgate has been carefully managing the fitness of Bukayo Saka

By assigning Alexander-Arnold the No. 8 shirt when the tournament squad numbers were revealed, Southgate might have also given away another important clue. Against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold began the game in midfield before switching to right back for the last few minutes.

He later played a cameo against Iceland and, in spite of the outcome, impressed with his skill with the ball, which might prove to be decisive.

Kieran Trippier is probably going to start at left back for Southgate’s selection, but Luke Shaw is hoping to be fit for the second game, and Marc Guehi should start at centre half.

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks primed to start England’s opener against Serbia on Sunday night ( Image: Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham’s return will be crucial, but with Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo as viable alternatives, the midfield still presents the most selection challenge. Although Adam Wharton was included in the team, Alexander-Arnold might be selected to play in England’s opening Euros match against Serbia on Sunday.

While Southgate has made strong insinuations that he may alter his starting lineup during the competition to maintain variety, the loss to Iceland served as a sobering reminder of the importance of having excellent players on the ball.

Liverpool centre back Again, it might be crucial. Alexander-Arnold is said to be the group’s finest passer and set piece taker.