Gareth Southgate’s England squad has been hit with an injury crisis as preparation for the Euros begins. Three players withdrew on Monday with two more being confirmed on Tuesday, including Jude Bellingham.
Who are the players that have withdrawn from the England Squad?
James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson all decided to withdraw from the England squad on Monday, with Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill dropping out on Tuesday. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had made it pretty clear that he didn’t think Bellingham should have been part of the squad to face Malta and North Macedonia.
In his post-match interview following the 5-1 hammering of Valencia, he said: “He is going to be assessed, but if he hasn’t played today then he can’t with England. He has to do specific work over the next few weeks to strengthen his shoulder. He’ll be able to play after the international break.”
It’s understandable Ancelotti being protective over his star player and Southgate has taken the same caution in case the shoulder injury became a nuisance and returning before England’s huge Euro tournament upcoming in the summer.
Who are the England squad replacements?
Esri Konsa, Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis have been named as the replacements for the injured trio of Maddison, Dunk and Wilson. Palmer has 8 G/A in his start to life at Chelsea including the late leveller against former club Manchester City.
Speaking of City, 18-year-old Lewis making him the 20th youngest England call-up. Just ahead of Rio Ferdinand. This is no surprise since Pep Guardiola called Lewis ‘one of the best players he’s ever coached.’
Konsa replaces Dunk as a solid defensive choice after his impressive performances for Aston Villa this term. As of yet, nobody has been called-up to replace Bellingham and Colwill but James Ward-Prowse may earn a place in the squad.
An update to the #ThreeLions squad as @EzriKonsa, Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis receive their first senior call-ups…
— England (@England) November 13, 2023
His West Ham teammate Jarrod Bowen would also be a fine choice, with 11 G/A to his name so far this season.
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