Why Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and Man City defender John Stones won't play for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina – explained

The Three Lions are readying themselves for Euro 2024, with Southgate needing to whittle down his preliminary 33-man squad to a final selection of 26. Part of that process will include friendly dates with Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland.

The first of those fixtures takes place at St James’ Park on Monday, with England ready to shuffle their pack slightly in that contest. Jude Bellingham will not be involved following his Champions League triumph with Real Madrid. Saka and Stones are also set to be left out, while Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw – along with Newcastle winger Antony Gordon - are stepping up their respective recoveries from injury.

Southgate has said of his plans, and why certain players will not be involved: “All (Maguire, Shaw and Gordon) are progressing well so we're pleased with the progress they've made. None of them will be involved. Same for Bukayo and John Stones. John reported a bit later so hasn't worked with us for a number of days, so better for him to follow an individual programme for the next couple of days. Bukayo is fine, is progressing well, but the periodisation we've taken from his injury is to rest and then he should be available for Friday. Anthony has a good chance to be available for Friday. The other two (Maguire and Shaw) are a bit more unlikely, but we'll see how quickly they can go.”

England will open their European Championship campaign against Serbia on June 16, before going on to face Denmark and Slovenia in their other Group C fixtures – with Southgate’s side among the favourites to go all the way in Germany.