Five withdraw but Chelsea starlet called up to the England squad for World Cup clash
The list of absentees grows
Who knew playing for England could be such a painful experience?
Despite winning 5-0 at Wembley on Friday, it seems that the encounter was not without its issues, as a whopping five players have failed to travel to San Marino for the final game of World Cup qualifying, set to take place on Monday.
Declan Rice, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all ruled out of the clash with Albania due to illness, concussion and dental surgery respectively, and the Three Lions have today confirmed that they will not travel to San Marino either, instead returning to their clubs.
The impressive Raheem Sterling misses out due to a personal matter, while there are a further pair of absentees due to injury.
As per an official statement:
“Henderson and Grealish have returned to their respective clubs for further assessment on injuries”
This pair adds to James Ward-Prowse and Marcus Rashford, both of whom withdrew ahead of the first qualifier, and now means that eight of the initial England squad have been unable to feature in both games during this international break.
Conor Gallagher in line for his first cap?
In their place, Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher has been called up, and could be set to win his first cap for the senior side against the minnows. Gallagher has been impressive for Crystal Palace so far this season, and will fancy his chances of becoming the 1265th player to represent the Three Lions when they play on Monday.
Congratulations to Conor Gallagher, who has been called up to the #ThreeLions squad for the first time! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/zhEcHPUd5R
— England (@England) November 14, 2021
With three midfielders out injured, England’s choices in the centre of the park are severely limited. Should Southgate want to retain a double pivot, Kalvin Phillips and Jude Bellingham are his only senior options, while Gallagher would be the third choice in this situation.
Could we see a return to a back four and midfield three, or perhaps Alexander-Arnold in central midfield?
All will be revealed on Monday.
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