Euro 2024

[monks data]

Euro Champ Qualifying | Group Stage

Jun 16, 2023 at 7.45pm UK

Infetti Ground

Malta

0 - 4

England

Kristensen (49')

FT(HT: 0-3)

Apap (8' og.), Alexander-Arnold (28'), Kane (31' pen.), Wilson (83' pen.)

Gareth Southgate plays down Bukayo Saka injury fears after Malta win

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 4d

Southgate plays down Saka injury fears after Malta win

England manager Gareth Southgate plays down fears of an injury to Bukayo Saka following the attacker's early withdrawal in their 4-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Malta.

England manager Gareth Southgate has alleviated concerns over Bukayo Saka's fitness after the Arsenal man was taken off in their 4-0 win over Malta on Friday night.

Saka started on the right-hand side for the Three Lions in their Euro 2024 qualifying Group C clash, and the 21-year-old played a major part in his side's first goal in Ta' Qali.

Latching onto a long ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Saka tried to cut back for a teammate inside the area, and his cross was diverted into the back of the Malta net by Ferdinando Apap.

Late on in the first half, Saka appeared to hurt his ankle following a tackle, and the Arsenal winger stayed down for a few moments while receiving treatment.

Saka was able to see out the end of the first half, but Southgate took no risks over his fitness and took the 21-year-old off for Manchester City's Phil Foden at half time.

England manager Gareth Southgate before the match on March 23, 2023 © Reuters

However, when asked about Saka's condition in his post-game press conference, Southgate affirmed that the youngster's withdrawal was only precautionary, saying: "He's good. We just didn't want to take a chance with him given the scoreline."

Saka should therefore be passed fit for Monday's clash with North Macedonia at Old Trafford, as England aim to make it four wins from four in Euro 2024 qualifying after a comfortable evening on Friday.

Following Apap's own goal, Alexander-Arnold picked out the top corner with a sumptuous strike to double England's lead, having been deployed in the midfield role where he thrived for Liverpool towards the end of the 2022-23 season.

Alexander-Arnold has often struggled to win over Southgate amid fierce competition from Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier for the right-back spot, but the England boss believes that the 24-year-old can give his country "something different" in the engine room.

"Inevitably a lot of what happens is going to be a little bit dependent on his club because the fact he's been playing there has partly helped his transition in that area," Southgate added.

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates scoring for England on June 16, 2023 © Reuters

"He's getting used to receiving the ball with his back to goal and in tight areas when before he was used to receiving on the touchline with the play in front of him.

"He was very comfortable doing that. I have no doubts in my mind he can do it, he's just learning some nuances without the ball.

'He's enjoyed the project, if you like. He has been excited by it and he showed exactly what we think he could be capable of. He gives us something different to our other midfielders."

Harry Kane and Callum Wilson also converted from the penalty spot for England, who hold a six-point lead over second-placed Ukraine in Group C, albeit having played a game more.