Bukayo Saka had been isolating at St George's Park since Wednesday but has now returned home; no replacement will be called up; England play Switzerland on Saturday - live on Sky Sports
Friday 25 March 2022 06:17, UK
Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad after testing positive for Covid-19.
Saka trained with his England team-mates on Tuesday but had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St George's Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.
Saka tweeted: "I am gutted to withdraw from @England camp but I have tested positive for Covid-19 and I will be isolating until I am negative.
"I'll be supporting the boys from home this weekend and I can't wait to be being back doing what I love soon"
England boss Gareth Southgate has had to deal with a number of withdrawals since naming his 25-man squad last Thursday, but will not be calling up a replacement for the Arsenal forward.
Saka is the sixth player to withdraw from the squad after Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Aaron Ramsdale were ruled out through injury on Monday.
The uncapped duo of Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell were brought in along with Ollie Watkins and Sam Johnstone, only for the latter to then withdraw as Fraser Forster was called in.
England kick off their World Cup preparations with a home friendly against Switzerland on Saturday, before welcoming the Ivory Coast to Wembley on Tuesday evening.
A statement from The Football Association read: "Bukayo Saka has left the England camp having tested positive for Covid-19.
"The Arsenal player had been isolating from the rest of the squad at St George's Park since Wednesday and has now returned home.
"No further replacements are planned with a squad of 24 in place for the forthcoming fixtures."
