Bukayo Saka Misses England’s Clash Against Andorra: Fitness Concerns Loom
In a surprising twist, England’s dynamic winger, Bukayo Saka, will not feature in Thomas Tuchel’s matchday squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra. The Three Lions are set to face the minnows in Barcelona this Saturday, aiming to maintain their flawless start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Notably, England have faced Andorra six times before, keeping a clean sheet in every encounter—a record they’ll be eager to extend.
Tuchel’s Winning Streak Continues
Since taking the helm as England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel has hit the ground running. His tenure began with two commanding victories—a 2-0 triumph over Albania and a 3-0 drubbing of Latvia in March—propelling England to the top of Group K. Now, as he prepares for his first away game outside Wembley, confidence is high that the Three Lions will continue their dominance.
Despite being named in the squad for the back-to-back fixtures against Andorra and Senegal, Saka’s absence from Saturday’s match has raised eyebrows. The 23-year-old Arsenal star has been a consistent performer for England, earning 43 caps since his debut in 2020. However, a lingering hamstring injury has kept him out of action under Tuchel, sidelining him for the first two qualifiers earlier this year.
Fitness Concerns Take Center Stage
Saka’s return to Arsenal earlier this season was met with cautious optimism, as manager Mikel Arteta meticulously managed his workload. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tuchel revealed that the winger has only completed one full training session during the current England camp. “His omission from the squad to face Andorra is likely linked to his fitness,” reported BBC Sport. It remains uncertain whether Saka will feature in the upcoming friendly against Senegal on June 10, adding another chapter to his international journey.
The injury woes don’t end with Saka. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has also been ruled out, returning to England as a precaution after picking up a minor knock. Like Saka, Watkins is yet to make his debut under Tuchel, with both player and manager agreeing that rest is the best course of action. Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher’s absence from the squad remains unexplained, adding another layer of intrigue.
England’s Depth Shines Through
Despite these absences, England’s squad remains formidable. The Three Lions have historically dominated Andorra, and with a roster brimming with talent and form, another convincing victory seems likely. FIFA’s World Rankings may not be the most accurate barometer, but the gap between fourth-placed England and 173rd-ranked Andorra is stark. Andorra’s World Cup campaign has been anything but inspiring, with a 1-0 loss to Latvia and a 3-0 defeat to Albania marking their start. Their last goal came in a friendly win over San Marino back in October—hardly the kind of form to trouble a team of England’s caliber.
Looking Ahead
As Tuchel gears up for his third game in charge, England’s depth and quality should see them through. While the absence of Saka and Watkins is notable, it’s unlikely to derail their quest for another three points. The Three Lions will aim to roar once again, continuing their march toward the 2026 World Cup.
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