Gareth Southgate provides Bukayo Saka injury update after England thump Malta

The Arsenal forward appeared in discomfort following a heavy challenge from a Malta defender and was replaced by Phil Foden at at half-time.

But Southgate confirmed his substitution was merely a precaution and expects Saka to be fit for Sunday’s clash with North Macedonia at Old Trafford.

Asked for an update on Saka after the 4-0 win, Southgate said: ‘He’s good. We just didn’t want to take a chance with him given the scoreline.’

England made light work of Malta, ranked 172nd by FIFA, to continue their perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, playing in midfield, rifled home a superb strike between an early own goal and a Harry Kane penalty. Callum Wilson also scored from the spot late on.

Three Lions boss Southgate said: ‘Of course we know we have the quality to win the game and then it’s about the mentality.

‘I thought that was excellent from the start. We have players that give you leadership on the pitch and set the tone and that’s how they’ve trained all week.

‘In particular, when we lost the ball the reaction to winning it back was a sign that we were there mentally and then some really good quality for the first two goals in particular.

‘We’ve made it look straightforward when we know that isn’t always the case. I’m very pleased with the night.

‘There’s always going to be that turnover of players with injuries so it’s important the young players are comfortable and know the group. That is very important that we have those options.’

On Alexander-Arnold’s potential future as an England midfielder, Southgate added: ‘Inevitably a lot of what happens is going to be a little bit dependent on his club because the fact he’s been playing there has partly helped his transition in that area.

‘He’s getting used to receiving the ball with his back to goal and in tight areas when before he was used to receiving on the touchline with the play in front of him.

‘He was very comfortable doing that. I have no doubts in my mind he can do it, he’s just learning some nuances without the ball.

‘He’s enjoyed the project, if you like. He has been excited by it and he showed exactly what we think he could be capable of. He gives us something different to our other midfielders.’

With nine points from three games, England – who reached the quarter-finals of last year’s World Cup in Qatar – sit top of Euro 2024 qualifying Group C.

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