The five big talking points as Saints win friendly at Eintracht Braunschweig

SAINTS made it two wins from two in pre-season on Friday evening as they started their Germany training camp with a 1-0 victory at second division side Eintracht Braunschweig.

Damion Downs scored the game's only goal in the first half in what wasn't a memorable match, but one that provided 22 of Tonda Eckert's players with valuable minutes as the 2026/27 campaign fast approaches.

There was still plenty to take away from an enjoyable evening in front of noisy local fans at the Eintracht Stadion.

Here are five of the stand out talking points from Saints' latest friendly win...

Damion Downs impresses

Arguably the biggest positive for Saints was the display of striker Damion Downs.

The American hasn't had a straightforward spell on the south coast so far. Following his move from FC Köln last summer, Downs has just 14 competitive appearances for Saints with no goals.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Hamburg and struggled to make an impact there too.

However, the 22 year old reminded spectators of his capabilities in Braunschweig.

Good on the ball and dangerous off the shoulder of defenders, the striker scored a lovely goal.

Lewis Dobbin 🅰️ Damion Downs ⚽️

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 24, 2026

A pass from Lewis Dobbin played Downs through on goal but he still had plenty to do, taking the ball past the goalkeeper and the last defender before seeing it into the back of the net.

One strong showing in a friendly doesn't change everything of course, but it is certainly encouraging.

Shea Charles returns

There is rarely a summer at Saints where there isn't speculation regarding a potential outgoing of at least one star and this year has been no exception.

Charles has been subject to a number of rejected bids from Leeds United and the latest reports earlier in the week suggested Fulham were the latest Premier League club to see an offer turned down.

£30million is the number being quoted in reports at this moment in time, a figure interested clubs aren't currently close to.

After being involved in international duty with Northern Ireland earlier in the summer, the 22 year old was granted extended time off and returned just before the 3-1 friendly win over Eastleigh.

He missed that match but returned to the pitch for Saints on Friday night, playing the second half at Eintracht Braunschweig.

Eckert has confirmed that there has been interest in the midfielder, but it isn't in his remit to decide whether any bids that come into Saints' inbox are acceptable or not.

At this moment in time, Charles is still very much Saints' player and will train as normal out in Germany this week.

(Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC)

More minutes in the tank

It's one of the many customary cliches at this time of year, but players getting minutes is what pre-season is all about.

22 of the 29 Saints players who have travelled to Germany played 45 minutes on Friday as Eckert named two separate XIs for each half.

Speaking to the Daily Echo post-match, Eckert said: "There's a couple of players that I think need a proper warm-up, and that's why for a couple we've decided to also give them the first and not the second half."

More: Downs hits winner as Saints secure friendly victory over Eintracht Braunschweig

Fans make the trip

Given the shorter notice and Friday night kick-off, not as many Saints fans travelled to Braunschweig as are expected at the friendly against Preußen Münster on Saturday.

However, there was still a scattering of red and white in the far corner on the opposite end to where thousands of home supporters were situated.

A specific total of travelling supporters hasn't been provided but, speaking to supporters who attended Friday night's friendly, an estimate of around 50 fans has been suggested.

It was a fantastic effort from those supporters who received deserved appreciation from players and staff post-match as shirts were handed over and autographs signed.

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could also be heard saying: "Oh, a few Saints fans. Love that" in a club video when coming out to warm up.

Saints fans at Eintracht Braunschweig (Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC)

Absentees from Saints' squad

There were three major exclusions from Saints' 29-man squad for this week's training camp.

Finn Azaz hasn't made it as he nurses a shin injury which ruled the midfielder out of the win at Eastleigh.

Meanwhile, winger Sam Edozie has a knock and also hasn't made it.

Caspar Jander is currently the biggest concern after the midfielder came off early at Eastleigh. Specifics on his issue are expected next week.