Bukayo Saka pulls OUT of England squad just hours after meeting up with team-mates with decision made on replacement | The Sun
BUKAYO SAKA has pulled out of the England squad ahead of upcoming matches against Australia and Italy.
The Arsenal star missed his side's 1-0 win over Manchester City, but did report for England duty at St George's Park earlier today.
After meeting with medical staff, Saka pulled out of the Three Lions squad to continue his recovery at Arsenal.
Upon reaching the decision, England confirmed in an official statement: "Bukayo Saka will play no part in England’s fixtures with Australia and Italy.
"The forward reported to St. George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad.
"Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club."
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The statement went on to confirm that boss Gareth Southgate will NOT call up a replacement for Saka – who suffered a hamstring injury against Lens last week.
England host Australia in a friendly match at Wembley on Friday night.
They will then face Italy at the national stadium next Tuesday in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
The Three Lions are cruising towards qualification for next summer's tournament in Germany.
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Southgate's side have so far accrued 13 points from their opening five matches, and sit six points above the second placed Italians.
The top two teams in the group qualify automatically for Euro 2024.
England will not be short of quality attacking options in Saka's absence.
Skipper Harry Kane is joined by Man City duo Jack Grealish and Phil Foden as well as Marcus Rashford and in-form stars James Maddison and Ollie Watkins.
Jarrod Bowen has been selected as he celebrates penning a new long-term deal at West Ham.
While Saka's Arsenal team-mate Eddie Nketiah will look to earn his first senior cap.
Southgate's midfield ranks also include the top scorer in LaLiga, with Jude Bellingham having already bagged eight goals in the Spanish top flight this season – three more than anybody else.
While Gunners ace Declan Rice is also in the mix.
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