England's Warm-up Match Against Bosnia: Six Absentees and Southgate Showers Praise on Champions League Winner Bellingham

England will be dealing with a reduced squad in their Euro 2024 warm-up match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, as six players will be out of action. Kieran Trippier will captain the team for Monday's match, as the game serves as an essential step in the buildup to England's opening game against Serbia on June 16.


The missing players include Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw due to injuries, defensive stalwart John Stones due to late joining, in-form youngster Bukayo Saka who is being rested, and Anthony Gordon, still nursing an injury. The England manager Gareth Southgate said these setbacks were 'unlikely' to resolve by Friday's friendly against Iceland.

All eyes, however, are on Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old midfielder will join the England squad on June 8 while fresh off winning the Champions League trophy with his club, Real Madrid. A spectacular season saw him setup the second goal for Vinicius Jr in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, and his stellar performance through the season warranted him the title of La Liga's Player of the Season.

Making this warm-up game extra special is the fact that Newcastle United full-back Trippier will captain the team at his home ground, St. James' Park, marking a proud moment for the player. The matches against Bosnia and Iceland are England's last preparatory games before Euros begin on June 14.