England will assess the injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the next 24 to 48 hours, says boss Gareth Southgate after their 1-0 Euro 2020 warm-up win over Austria in Middlesbrough.
Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion in England’s Euro 2020 squad as one of four right-backs was a major talking point – but his tournament could be in doubt after he hurt himself making a late clearance.
“We’re going to have a look. It’s not good to see him come off in the way he did,” Southgate told ITV.
“I think [it’s an injury to the] thigh but the medical team are assessing him. We’ll have to see. It’s not a good sign to see him have to walk off as he did. We’ll know more in 24 to 48 hours.”
Southgate did not want to be pressed on who would replace the Liverpool player in his 26-man squad if he has to pull out.
“Let’s see how Trent is and then we’ll go from there,” he said. “We don’t know the full extent. The last thing you want is to see him come off in the way he did.”
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal in England’s win – with Jack Grealish having a hand in the goal.
Midfielder Grealish, who did not play between February and May for Aston Villa because of injury, was replaced late on.
“Since I’ve come back that’s what I’ve been doing [putting ice on his leg],” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I’m still a bit aware of the injury so after these games I have to try and recover as much and as good as I can so that’s why I put the ice on straight away.
“I love playing football, I didn’t want to come off, that’s the manager’s decision and I respect that.
“It’s difficult, I’ve been out for three months, and only started three games since I’ve been back. It takes time, I’m ready when called upon. I still train as hard as I can, as if I am back in the swing fully.”
Midfielder Jordan Henderson was going to be involved but felt some discomfort on Wednesday morning.
The Liverpool captain, who has not played since February because of a groin injury, had a scan which was clear but was not risked.
Arsenal teenager Saka called the goal “probably the biggest moment of my career so far”.
“The biggest moment was getting called up for England the first time and now to score the goal it sounds nice, it’s an amazing feeling for me,” he said.
“You dream of that as a kid, scoring for your country, coming through the age groups with England so to now do it here and score for the seniors it’s an amazing feeling and I hope I can have this feeling many more times.”
