Phil Foden sits out due to ‘minor knock’ as England train for last time ahead of final clash with Italy

I think those wide positions need to be quick players, who make out to in runs, so I don’t think we will see Saka on Sunday. I think it might be one game too much for him

Phil Foden sits out due to ‘minor knock’ as England train for last time ahead of final clash with Italy
Phil Foden

England trained for the last time before their European Championship final showpiece tomorrow night but Phil Foden sat out due to a minor injury.

The Three Lions will take home advantage into tomorrow's final encounter with Italy at the Wembley Stadium with over 60,000 fans on their side who will be cheering and roaring with their enchanted song “football is coming home”

The squad completed their final training session but Foden was sidelined due to a 'minor knock', England confirmed.

But in better news, the Manchester City forward and the other 25 players passed their UEFA mandated PCR coronavirus tests.

Foden started England's opening two games in the delayed Euros when they beat Croatia 1-0 but drew to Scotland.

He was then rested in the 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic and replaced by Bukayo Saka and has not returned to the starting XI since.

Saka played a key role in England's wins over the Czech Republic and then Germany until he was then ruled out against Ukraine with injury. 

The 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward -- Jadon Sancho who is set to move to Manchester United replaced Saka in the 4-0 thumping over Ukraine.

But he failed to keep his place in the semi-final as the Arsenal forward came back into the starting XI on the right-wing against Denmark.

Despite Saka's emergence in Southgate's side, United legend-turned pundit Gary Neville has tipped Sancho or Marcus Rashford to play against Italy.

"I am not sure he will start Sunday. I think that might just be too much for him. What he did last night, the amount he has given in this tournament, I just feel we will see somebody else.

“I look at Chiellini and Bonucci, and I think, who wouldn’t they like to have in those wide areas, making those inside runs. And I actually think it could be a game for Rashford or Sancho to accompany Sterling in those wide positions.

"I think those wide positions need to be quick players, who make out to in runs, so I don’t think we will see Saka on Sunday. I think it might be one game too much for him." Garry Neville told Sky Sport after the Three Lions win over Denmark.