Marcus Rashford has withdrawn from the England senior squad because of injury.
It makes way for Jack Grealish’s first ever call-up having been initially left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad.
The Aston Villa captain, who was subject to speculation over a switch to Old Trafford this summer, joined the rest of the England squad on Monday as they prepare to face Iceland and Denmark in the Nations League.
Mason Greenwood is another player after getting his first England call-up in terms of senior international football, as is Manchester City’s Phil Foden.
The next two games should give Southgate an idea of what he has available to him for the future. Everyone will be trying to get into the squad for next summer’s European Championships so the work starts now.
Rashford’s injury is believed to be an ankle problem sustained in the Europa League semi-final defeat against Sevilla. The Guardian claims it is understood to be minor though caution is still being made to ensure Rashford gets the rest he needs before the 2020-21 domestic season kicks off.
The Manchester United forward tweeted: “Gutted. Never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me. I tried my best but I have to focus on starting the season at my strongest for club and country. Good luck boys, I’ll be cheering you on from home.”
Gutted 😔 never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me. I tried my best but I have to focus on starting the season at my strongest for club and country. Good luck boys, I’ll be cheering you on from home 🦁♥️ @England pic.twitter.com/2OMHKPFLpm
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) August 31, 2020
Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has also pulled out of the 24-man squad, which now includes Conor Coady of Wolves and Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
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