Magies star in line for England debut against Brazil after Saka’s departure

Anthony Gordon is pushing to make his England debut in Saturday night’s friendly against Brazil. Gareth Southgate has been forced to rejig his attack after losing Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Cole Palmer to injury before his side’s final meet-up before Euro 2024.

Kane’s absence up front is expected to mean that Ollie Watkins starts against Brazil and Saka’s early departure from the camp with a muscular issue has opened up a spot on the wing.

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Gordon, the uncapped Newcastle winger, is in line to play after an impressive season for his club. The alternative would be to play Marcus Rashford, while Southgate also has Jarrod Bowen and James Maddison in reserve. Phil Foden is expected to take the other spot in the front three.

Southgate has said that he is dealing with the worst injury crisis of his England tenure. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Reece James, Jack Grealish and Luke Shaw are not in this squad because of injury. Jordan Henderson, who was called up, is unavailable against Brazil.

Henderson’s spot in midfield is expected to be taken by Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, who will line up next to Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Southgate is able to name three members of his favoured back four, with Kyle Walker at right-back and John Stones and Harry Maguire available at centre-back. But Shaw’s absence is a dilemma. Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell is the only specialist left-back in the squad and is set to start instead of the versatile Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.