England boss Gareth Southgate will be without the services of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka for Friday's friendly match with Australia at Wembley Stadium.

The 22-year-old arrived at St George's Park earlier this week despite nursing a hamstring problem, but upon further assessment, the decision was made to withdraw him from the squad.

Saka joins the likes of Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, Callum Wilson and Eberechi Eze on the Three Lions' injury list, while Raheem Sterling was controversially left at home once again.

With Saka out of contention, the script could be written for Marcus Rashford to come good against Australia, whom he scored against on his England debut as an 18-year-old in 2016, becoming the youngest Three Lions player to net on their first appearance in the process.

However, Rashford's recent struggles in a Manchester United jersey could tempt Southgate into deploying James Maddison and Phil Foden in support of Harry Kane, while Jarrod Bowen is another viable option.

Breaking records for fun at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham should operate as the most advanced midfielder, potentially with Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Declan Rice in midfield if Southgate opts to experiment a little.

Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier are seemingly set to occupy the full-back roles if that is the case, while John Stones's recent injury and lack of playing time could see Marc Guehi given the nod alongside defensive stalwart Harry Maguire.

Alongside being number two for his country, Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale is now playing second fiddle to David Raya for the Gunners, but he may be given a run-out in between the sticks here before Jordan Pickford returns for the visit of Italy.

England possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Walker, Guehi, Maguire, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice; Foden, Bellingham, Maddison; Kane

Written by
Ben Knapton