Rotating Harry Kane & Jack Grealish absent from training

By Ben Browning


Published: June 16, 2021 8:36 am

Last Updated: June 16, 2021 8:41 am

England Daily: June 16, 2021

After the euphoria of Sunday’s victory, England and their fans turn their attention to Friday’s game against Scotland.

Another England victory will see qualification assured, while Scotland need to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to the Czech Republic.

Excitement is sweeping the nation, with some optimistic fans already claiming that it is coming home.

With that in mind, here are the top 5 England stories you need to read this morning.

1) Harry Kane rejects “undroppable” claim

Based on Premier League form, Harry Kane would be the first name on Gareth Southgate’s team-sheet. As England captain, this place is only further cemented. Or so you would think.

The Tottenham striker has addressed suggestions that he is “undroppable” in an interview with ITV.

England captain Harry Kane rejects ‘undroppable’ claim https://t.co/StlE50xnmm

— The Independent (@Independent) June 15, 2021

The English striker said:

“You will have to ask Gareth but I never look it at it that way. We have great competition for places.

“Dominic has come in and done great. For me it is about training how I train every day try and be the best and try and improve every day and when I play try and give my best for the team.

He continued:

“I think that is what everyone is doing at the moment. I am sure there will be rotation among all the players in this tournament and everyone is waiting for the chance to try and make an impact.”

For most people, Kane would remain a shoo-in for all of England’s most important fixtures, despite a quiet showing against Croatia.

2) Tyrone Mings reveals pre-match Croatia nerves

In Harry Maguire’s absence, Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings started the opening group game against Croatia. Unlike his pre-tournament friendlies, the centre-back looked composed and didn’t put a foot wrong.

Forty-eight hours on, however, and he was not shy of admitting the nervousness he felt lining up on the left side of England’s defence at Wembley.

?❌
?❌

Even the unflappable @OfficialTM_3 was feeling the nerves ahead of his #EURO2020 debut… ? pic.twitter.com/6lcQyxd97c

— England (@England) June 15, 2021

Mings is likely to retain his place for at least England’s next group game against Scotland, with Maguire unlikely to be rushed back for the group stages.

Another strong showing from the Villa man, and Southgate may find himself with more of a selection headache than he expected.

3) Aaron Ramsdale recalled to England squad

Manchester United players have had some rotten luck this summer. Mason Greenwood was forced to withdraw from the 33 man squad for the European Championships due to injury, whilst Harry Maguire, as already been mentioned, has yet to feature for the Three Lions.

The latest Red Devil to withdraw from the England squad is goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The shot-stopper has picked up a hip injury which he has been unable to shake, and has thus left the England camp.

Welcome back to the #ThreeLions squad, @AaronRamsdale98! ?

— England (@England) June 15, 2021

This has meant a recall for Aaron Ramsdale, the Sheffield United goalkeeper who was cut from the squad two weeks ago, while it also probably means that Sam Johnstone is England’s new number two option.

4) Jack Grealish misses England training as Maguire gets more in the bank

Jack Grealish was a somewhat surprising omission during England’s opening day victory, failing to even make it off the bench at Wembley.

The charismatic midfielder had starred in both of England’s warm up fixtures, and was expected to at least play a part in the opener.

To add intruige, Grealish did not train with the England squad on Tuesday, instead staying in the gym for some individual work.

⛹️‍♂️Basketball with Mount & Rice
?‍♂️Foden’s swim class
❎No Grealish in training today#ThreeLions #Euro2020 https://t.co/Iqi2t7uncG

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 15, 2021

However, it appears as though the midfielder is having his workload limited on the back of a shin injury he suffered at the end of the season.

The entirety of England hopes that he will be able to feature against the Scottish.

One player who did train, however, was Harry Maguire.

Maguire enjoys another England training session #mufc https://t.co/vW3EVJp3c9

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) June 15, 2021

The Manchester United defender has missed the last five weeks through an ankle ligament injury, but was pictured taking part in another training session as he continues his road to full-fitness.

It remains unlikely that Maguire is risked in the group stages, but we may see the Red Devil in the knockout rounds.

5) Jordan Henderson enters the Lions’ Den

The latest player to take part in England’s official series Lions’ Den was currently injured midfielder Jordan Henderson.

The Liverpool midfielder was an unused substitute against Croatia, but took time out of training to join Josh Denzel for the daily series.

Perhaps of most interest to England fans, he gave an update on his fitness, saying that:

“I feel really good. The last few weeks of training I’ve got stronger each training session, each week. I feel good, I feel ready- obviously everyone knows I haven’t played that much over the last couple of months. 45 [minutes] in the friendly before the tournament started. 

But in training I feel good, and I need to be ready whenever called upon”.

Could we see Henderson in line for an appearance against team-mate Andy Robertson at Wembley this Friday?

Read more:

5 things we learned from England’s win over Romania

Four things we learned from England’s win over Croatia

This article was edited by
Benjamin Newman.