Delph withdraws from England with injury

Fabian Delph is the third player to withdraw from the England squad through injury in this international break

Fabian Delph has withdrawn from the England squad and returned to Everton for rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

England boss Gareth Southgate will not call up a replacement for Delph ahead of their European Qualifier against Montenegro on Thursday night.

Delph first missed Everton’s loss at West Ham in October due to a hamstring complaint and returned to the starting line-up for clashes against Watford and Tottenham, but then sat out the Toffees’ win at Southampton on Saturday.

“The midfielder arrived with an injury but it was hoped he would be available to play a part in the Three Lions’ forthcoming UEFA EURO 2020 qualifiers,” said a statement on Tuesday night.

“However, it has now been decided that Delph is unlikely to feature and will return to his club for further rehabilitation.”

England have already seen Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley and Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton leave the St George’s Park training camp through injury, with only Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson called up as a replacement.

It leaves Southgate with a 25-man squad at his disposal, although Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling will also be unavailable for selection on Thursday night following a row with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez at St George’s Park on Monday.

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England manager Gareth Southgate explains why he dropped Raheem Sterling, following a bust-up with Joe Gomez

England manager Gareth Southgate explains why he dropped Raheem Sterling, following a bust-up with Joe Gomez

Sky Sports News understands the pair clashed in the training ground canteen, with Sterling trying to grab Gomez’s neck after taking offence to him laughing with several other England team-mates upon his arrival.

Southgate decided to drop Sterling for the game at Wembley on Thursday after Gomez, who later received the winger’s apology, issued a personal plea not to send him home.

No international break for Super 6

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