On Monday, September 4, the Football Association announced that two key players from England’s national football team, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold, would not be participating in the upcoming September fixtures due to injuries. This news came as a significant blow to the team, which had been preparing for crucial matches against Ukraine and Scotland.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, a 24-year-old midfielder from Liverpool, and Jack Grealish, a 27-year-old forward from Manchester City, are both integral members of the England squad. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field. Both players reported to St. George’s Park, the national football centre, but after undergoing injury assessments, they were forced to withdraw from the squad.
Alexander-Arnold sustained a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa. The young midfielder, who was serving as the stand-in captain, had to be substituted after he felt a pull in his hamstring muscle. He was visibly in pain as he left the pitch in the second half of the game. The severity of his injury is still unclear, but after consultations between club doctors and England’s medical team, it was decided that it would be best for him to withdraw from the upcoming fixtures.
Grealish, on the other hand, missed Manchester City’s 5-1 victory over Fulham due to a slight thigh injury. The dynamic winger, known for his agility and creativity on the field, has been a vital asset to the England team. His absence from the squad is a significant setback, especially considering his recent performances.
Despite these unfortunate circumstances, Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England national team, has decided not to add any more players to the squad he announced last Thursday. Southgate, a former player himself, has been managing the England team since 2016 and has led them through numerous successful campaigns.
The England team is scheduled to face Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday in a Euro 2024 qualifier. Following this, they will travel to Glasgow to take on Scotland in a friendly match three days later. Despite the absence of Grealish and Alexander-Arnold, the team remains confident. Currently, England leads Group C with 12 points from four games, standing six points ahead of second-placed Ukraine.
The withdrawal of Grealish and Alexander-Arnold from the England squad is indeed a significant loss. However, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities on the international stage.
