Alexander-Arnold’s injury broke the England boss Southgate’s heart

With a 56-minute goal from Bukayo Saka, the Three Lions won their friendly game against Austria while Gareth Southgate believes it was rather a bitter victory.

"Well it's heartbreaking really, for any player to get to the eve of a major tournament, be named in the squad, and then to miss out through injury," Southgate told a news conference.

"You know how rare these opportunities are, even though he's a young player who's going to have these opportunities again, that's a really difficult moment for him especially.

"It's a big disappointment for us of course, as well, but you can't help, first and foremost, to feel for Trent in this situation.

"The one thing I was pleased about immediately after the game, I didn't like the look of the injury but at least it sounds like he'll be fine for pre-season and next season, but that is a very small positive. Of course, he was very upset, bitterly disappointed, and in those moments everybody is thinking about him."

England should rely on stand-by players to fill in for the injured 22-year-old fullback. James Ward-Prowse, Ben Godfrey, Ben White, Ollie Watkins, and Jesse Lingard all will be a possible solution for Gareth Southgate. 

Asked whether it would definitely be a defender who replaces Alexander-Arnold, Southgate replied: "We want to see how we get through tomorrow's game, be able to assess everything and we'll make a decision from there.

"It's important to have time to consider everything, we're obviously talking about that as a coaching staff. We'll know more after tomorrow's game where everybody is physically, whether there's any more issues, it's important we get the positional balance right for the whole squad."

On Harry Maguire, who is still not training with the team due to an injury, Southgate said: "With any injury it's impossible to predict 100 per cent.

"Our medical team are pleased with his progress, particularly over the last couple of days, so we know there is always that risk, but all of the guide is that he should be available. It's a case of when he can slot back into training with the group.

"There's always that risk with any injury that you only have to have one minor setback, I am very realistic about that. If he's fit and available, that's a bonus for us."

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