As England prepares to face Andorra in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier at the RCDE Stadium (kick-off 17:00 BST), the spotlight has shifted from the pitch to the squad list — with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka a notable omission.
The 23-year-old winger, capped 43 times for England, has been left out of the matchday squad by head coach Thomas Tuchel, raising questions about his fitness and future involvement. Saka’s exclusion comes despite growing anticipation to see him finally feature under Tuchel’s leadership. The German coach, who took over earlier this year, has yet to manage Saka in an England jersey due to the player’s recent injury troubles.
A Careful Approach to Fitness
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Tuchel confirmed that Saka had completed only one full training session all week. That cautious note suggests his absence may be precautionary, as the manager looks to avoid aggravating any lingering issues.
“Saka has only just returned to full training,” Tuchel said. “We want to manage his workload responsibly. He’s a huge talent and an important part of our plans moving forward, but it’s about timing and readiness.”
Saka had been sidelined for three months between December and April with a hamstring injury, returning to action just in time for the Premier League season’s final stretch with Arsenal. While his late-season performances helped secure a Champions League spot for the Gunners, England’s medical staff appear keen not to rush him back into high-intensity international fixtures.
Other Absences: Watkins Returns Home, Gallagher Sidelined
Saka isn’t the only player missing from Saturday’s squad. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has returned to England after picking up a minor injury. The forward, who enjoyed a breakout season with 18 league goals, has been deemed unfit to play as a precautionary measure.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher is also missing from the matchday squad. However, the FA has not clarified whether his exclusion is due to fitness concerns or tactical decisions. Gallagher, known for his energy and pressing game, has been a regular figure in the squad in recent years, making his absence equally noteworthy.
England’s Unbeaten Run on the Line
Despite these high-profile absences, England go into the Andorra clash with confidence. The Three Lions have won both of their opening World Cup qualifiers — defeating Latvia and Albania — and will look to maintain their perfect start against one of Europe’s lowest-ranked teams.
The match, hosted at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, is expected to give Tuchel an opportunity to rotate and test different combinations. The likes of Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, and Jude Bellingham could play more prominent roles as England continues to reshape its identity under the new boss.
Saka’s Return on the Horizon?
Fans hoping to see Bukayo Saka back in action may not have to wait long. England are set to face Senegal in a friendly on 10 June, and Tuchel hinted that the Arsenal winger could be available by then, pending his progress in training.
“Let’s see how Bukayo responds over the next few days. We want him back at 100%, not 80%,” Tuchel noted. “He’s a player who deserves patience.”
The Bigger Picture
While England’s game against Andorra may not seem pivotal, the decisions surrounding squad selection speak volumes about Tuchel’s strategic approach. Rather than forcing players back too soon, the German appears committed to building a balanced, healthy, and long-term-ready squad for both the World Cup qualifiers and next summer’s tournament.
For Saka, Gallagher, and Watkins, the focus now turns to recovery and readiness — because when the bigger matches arrive, England will need all hands on deck.
Written By Joe Brens
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