England squad: Bukayo Saka included despite injury; Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins earn recalls for Australia and Italy matches
Arsenal striker Bukayo Saka has been named in the England squad for October’s matches against Australia and Italy despite injury concerns, while West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins have been recalled to Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Saka limped while holding his leg during Arsenal’s Champions League Group B match against French side Lens on Tuesday night, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta insisting the 22-year-old’s injury was ‘a concern’ ahead of the Premier League match of Sunday against Man City – live on Air sports.
However, Saka is considered fit enough to be included in Southgate’s plans for the friendly against Australia and the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
Meanwhile, Bowen and Watkins have been recalled after impressive starts to the season for West Ham and Aston Villa respectively.
More to follow…
Full English October selection
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayi Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker ( Manchester City).
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forward: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
What lies ahead for England?
England next outing is against Australia in a friendly match at Wembley on October 13; starting at 7.45 pm.
Their next Euro 2024 qualifying match is versus Italy on Tuesday, October 17; starting at 7.45 pm.
In November they play at home against Malta (17 November; kick-off 7.45 pm), before traveling to North Macedonia (20 November; kick-off 7.45 pm).