Marcus Rashford questioned the opening match of the world tie against San Marino on Thursday with a foot injury, while Bocayo Saka was excluded from the match at Wembley.
Manchester United striker Rashford has yet to coach the England team, but has been working out in the gym as he seeks to recover from the injury he sustained in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Milan in the Europa League. last Thursday.
The 23-year-old missed United’s defeat in the FA Cup quarter-final to Leicester on Sunday. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Rashford was “not close” to playing despite being included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
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Meanwhile, Saca has yet to join England’s camp as Arsenal continue to assess his hamstring injury against Tottenham.
Saca managed to play 74 minutes in Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with West Ham after defeating Tottenham, but will not play for England on Thursday.
–Bukayo Saka has played four games for England after debuting last year.
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The 19-year-old, who made his England debut last October, is expected to be available for matches against Albania and Poland.
Chelsea’s Mason Mount will join Southgate’s coach at Thursday night’s press conference.
Johnston Reveals De Gea’s Congratulatory Message
West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnston revealed that his former Manchester United teammate David De Gea called him to congratulate him on his first call-up for England last week.
Johnston, who came through United’s youth system, worked alongside the Spanish international before leaving Old Trafford for good in 2018 in search of the first soccer team.
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“He texted me when I got a call, saying he was happy for me and really proud,” Johnston said at a news conference.
“It is very nice to hear someone like that. I have trained side by side for several years and have learned a lot from him.
“It was special being with him every day it was special,” added Johnston, after being asked about what took his time with De Gea.
“Working with someone like that. He was young, he played for Manchester United and Spain.
“You can understand things being up close and looking at him and how calm he is and how amazing he is because he is one of the best. It was great to be around him and learn from that.
“Obviously, I had to go find my way and my career.”
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