Gary Neville has predicted Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice will pull out of England’s current international camp to focus on Arsenal’s upcoming match with Manchester City, acknowledging Phil Foden may do the same.
England have two friendlies coming up against Brazil and Belgium, the first of which takes place against the former on Saturday evening at Wembley. The Three Lions are then in action on Tuesday against Belgium, with players returning to their respective clubs in the days following this fixture.
For players such as Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, this double clash represents an opportunity to stake a claim ahead of this summer’s Euros in Germany. For the Arsenal and City players in attendance, their attention may well be shifting towards the first game back after the international break at the Etihad.
Taking this into account, Neville has admitted he can see someone from either side withdrawing from England duty as a way of refocusing on this potential Premier League title decider on March 31.
“I’ve got a good feeling that one of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice or Phil Foden will pull out of the second England game in this break,” the former United defender told The Overlap’s Stick To Football Podcast.
“The Arsenal players may not pull out of the England games because they’ve had an extra few days of rest as they weren’t in the FA Cup, but there is a part of me that thinks they need to keep up momentum and continue playing, especially when England have two games against tough opposition in Brazil and Belgium.”
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Speaking earlier this month, Rice acknowledged the battle for top spot has left him not wanting to watch Liverpool and City games due to the stress that accompanies this.
“I hate watching it now [games], the Arsenal midfielder told Sky Sports. “We can’t control what others are doing. I see the results, but I just try to focus on what we’re doing.
“The league is so strong: City are unbelievable, Liverpool are unbelievable, Spurs have been unreal under, Ange, Villa under Emery have been so good as well. Every game is tough. You cannot overlook anyone and anything can happen. I’m relishing going out every week and having to play really well. 12 to go, one game at a time. Everyone has tough fixtures. Let’s see what can happen.”
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