England’s national football team has suffered a significant setback as key defenders Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire have withdrawn due to injuries, according to the English Football Association (FA) announcement on Sunday.
Walker, serving as England’s captain, was forced off after just 20 minutes in the 1-0 defeat against Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23. The Manchester City right-back appeared to injure his hamstring in the 12th minute while making a desperate attempt to prevent a goal-bound shot from Brazil’s Vinicius Junior. He was subsequently replaced by Ezri Konsa.
England manager Gareth Southgate expressed concern over Walker’s condition, stating, “We don’t know how serious it is. He’s not had many injuries, so he’s not sure if it’s just tightness or something more serious. We’ll know more over the next few days.”
The injuries to Walker and Maguire come at a critical time, not only for the national team but also for their respective clubs. Manchester City faces a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on March 31. City currently sits third on the table with 63 points after 28 games, trailing leaders Arsenal by a single point.
The absence of Walker could have significant implications for City’s title ambitions. His leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental in their campaign. Likewise, Maguire’s injury adds to the defensive woes for both England and his club, potentially impacting their strategies in the coming weeks.
As fans await updates on their recoveries, the spotlight turns to how England and their clubs will adapt to these unexpected challenges. The depth of their squads will be tested as they look to maintain momentum in both international and domestic competitions.
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Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire exit English national team due to injury
cgtn.com
