Saido Berahino withdraws from U21 Euro squad through injury

Thursday 18 Jun 2015
Afobe will replace Berahino in Southgate's squad
West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino has been forced to withdraw from the England Under-21 camp through injury.

The forward will play no further part in the 2015 UEFA European Under 21 Championship in Czech Republic.

Benik Afobe of Wolverhampton Wanderers has been called up and will join Gareth Southgate's squad ahead of England's group games against Sweden (21 June) and Italy (24 June).

Southgate said: "It’s a great personal disappointment for Saido.

"He’s very conscious of it not affecting the team and we’re personally disappointed for him because he’s been with us from the very first game, scored our first goal and has been a huge part of the reason why we’re here.

"It’s a great shame he won’t be able to finish the job.

Saido Berahino scores from the spot

Berahino forced to withdraw through injury

"For us, it’s important that we move on and the rest of the group respond and react in the right way as they have done throughout the competition."

Southgate will now welcome Afobe into the squad on the back of a successful season at Molineux which saw him score 13 goals in 23 games since arriving at the Championship side in January. Prior to that he had fired ten in League One for MK Dons earlier in the campaign whilst on loan.

He’s previously represented the Three Lions at U16, U17, U19 and U21 level, alongside many of the squad in Czech Republic.

"I’ve kept in contact with him in case something like this happened," added Southgate.

"He’s always been super positive about being involved and he’s excited by it.

"He’s had an excellent season with MK Dons and Wolves this season and he deserves the opportunity.

"He knows most of the group already from playing in other age groups so we’re looking forward to seeing him."

By FA Staff