Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luke Shaw attend England team meeting ahead of Ukraine and Scotland clashes… despite full-back duo being unavailable for the fixtures
- The full-back duo both attended team meetings despite respective injuries
- In the past, players have been criticised for a lack of commitment to England
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Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luke Shaw attended an England team meeting on Monday night despite withdrawing from the squad through injury.
In what is a major show of commitment to England from the defensive duo, both full-backs were in attendance during talks led by Gareth Southgate at St George’s Park earlier this week even though they are unavailable for tomorrow’s clash against Ukraine in Poland and the home nations friendly in Scotland on Tuesday.
In the past, England players have been criticised for pulling out of squads too easily but the development provides further proof of the committed environment Southgate is nurturing.
Manchester United defender Shaw was ruled out for up to 10 weeks earlier this month after sustaining a muscular injury.
Nevertheless, he reported for duty, despite not being named in the original squad, on Monday before departing St George’s Park on Wednesday. He underwent rehabilitation sessions during his stay in Burton.
England’s injured stars Trent Alexander-Arnold (L) and Luke Shaw (R) both attended a recent national team meeting despite being ruled out for the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures
Gareth Southgate’s side will take on Ukraine and Scotland in the upcoming week
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Alexander-Arnold, who was named in the squad before withdrawing with a hamstring injury, also joined up on Monday and stayed over night before returning to Liverpool on Tuesday.
Both were able to be present for team meetings and attend presentations that accompany the first camp of a tournament season.
In the summer, Jude Bellingham attended camp for the games against Malta and North Macedonia despite missing the matches due to injury.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi is hopeful he can fill in for John Stones in the heart of England’s defence versus Ukraine on Saturday.
Stones, England’s first-choice centre-back, is missing from the current squad through injury and Guehi is pushing to play in his place, potentially alongside the experienced Harry Maguire.
Fellow centre-back Levi Colwill is expected to make his England debut in one of the two forthcoming games.
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