GARETH SOUTHGATE is facing a mounting England injury crisis a week before the Euros.
It is feared crocked duo Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire may miss ALL of the tournament.
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And Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dream of playing is over after he was last night ruled out with a thigh injury picked up in the 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
Southgate will call up a replacement into his 26-man squad after Sunday’s friendly against Romania.
Midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard are stand-by options, as well as defenders Ben White and Ben Godfrey.
Liverpool midfielder Henderson has suffered a setback in his bid to recover from a groin injury and Southgate now concedes it would be a ‘bonus’ if he plays in the tournament.
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United centre-back Maguire told SunSport on Wednesday that he has only just returned to light training after injuring his ankle last month.
Southgate said: “With the two lads, Hendo and Harry, I’ve picked up a squad that can cope without them.
“If we had a squad of 23, that might have been a different decision to make.
“We’ve got 26. So, rather than take maybe a couple of young players for the experience, for me it’s better to have two senior players who can add so much to the group.
“If we can get them in a position to help on the field, then that’s only going to be beneficial for us.”
Southgate knows both are almost certain to miss England’s Euros opener against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday week.
But it is now seems doubtful either will feature during the group stage, with England’s matches played over just nine days.
Henderson was due to make his first appearance since February in Wednesday’s friendly against Austria at Middlesbrough – but pulled out on the morning of the match, needing another scan on his groin.
Southgate said: “I don’t think it would be fair to rule Jordan out of it. But I think it’s clear to everyone how much football he has missed.
“The timelines are getting more difficult with each training session he might miss and to not have those match minutes against Austria is a blow towards that.
“I’m being very realistic about what’s possible here. It’s a decision we took because we have been able to take extra players and we feel Jordan is such an important influence around the place.
“He can add value to what we are doing and if we can get him close to being able to contribute on the pitch that will be a real bonus as I see it at the moment.”
Alexander-Arnold’s Euros dream was shattered after being told he would be sidelined for up to six weeks with a thigh injury.
The Liverpool right-back suffered the problem at the end of England’s 1-0 win against Austria on Wednesday.
A scan on Alexander-Arnold’s thigh yesterday revealed he required a long lay-off. He was one of four right-backs selected by Southgate.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
