Friday 27 March 2015 16:29, UK
It's the first international break of 2015 and it seems the problem of player withdrawals and untimely injuries has resurfaced once again inside the England camp.
Roy Hodgson’s 24-man squad for the European qualifier with Lithuania and friendly with Italy had a number of positives when it was announced, most notably Tottenham striker Harry Kane’s deserved call-up, but it was followed, somewhat predictably, by a number of players pulling out.
Gareth Southgate’s U21 squad was blighted by withdrawals before he had the chance to announce his selection for the friendlies with the Czech Republic and Germany.
Tom Ince’s high-profile snub sent the ball rolling but a host of the country's brightest footballing talent also pulled out of the squad.
We’ve compiled all the ins and outs from each squad to see who's been forced to withdraw from their respective squads and why...
Roy Hodgson’s senior squad
OUT: Luke Shaw, Manchester United, Hamstring injury
Shaw was forced to pull out of Hodgson’s squad on the eve on Manchester United’s crunch Super Sunday clash with Liverpool after he failed to recover from a knock picked up against Arsenal in the FA Cup. The 19-year-old has struggled to nail down a regular place in Louis van Gaal's side and his withdrawal acts as another setback in his fledgling career.
The Spurs left-back fought off competition from a host of players eyeing Shaw’s place in the senior squad. The 24-year-old has been a permanent figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s defence this season – making 29 appearances – and will bring pace and attacking support alongside his defensive capabilities.
OUT: Danny Rose, Tottenham, Hip and Hamstring injuries
After being called into the squad after the withdrawal of Shaw, Rose was forced to pull out of the Lithuania and Italy games after suffering hip and hamstring injuries when at least a place on the bench at Wembley and a senior debut looked assured.
OUT: Fraser Forster, Southampton, Knee and Shoulder injuries
Forster's last-minute injury, coupled with West Brom stopper Ben Foster’s long-term setback in the week prior, scuppered Hodgson’s plan of naming just two goalkeepers in his initial 24-man squad. The Saints No 1 picked up a double injury in the 2-0 win over Burnley and misses both games after being ruled out for the rest of the season.
Green’s two-and-a-half year spell in the international wilderness was brought to an end as he was called upon to provide cover in light of the injury crisis. The Rangers goalkeeper’s last Three Lions appearance came in Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge, a 1-0 victory in Norway in May 2012, but he faces a difficult task to dislodge Joe Hart between the sticks.
Forster’s injury, unsurprisingly, had a knock-on effect as U21 goalkeeper, Butland, was called into the senior squad. While it was intended Butland would make the step up to the senior team, the circumstances would not have suited either manager with experienced goalkeepers at a premium.
OUT: Adam Lallana, Liverpool, Groin injury
The Liverpool midfielder was in the wars against United at Anfield, most notably a high-speed collision with England team-mate Phil Jones in the first half. However, it was a groin injury which forced him off at half-time and will not be joining up with Hodgson’s squad.
Mason joined Spurs team-mate Kane in gaining his first call-up to the senior England squad on March 23. In his debut season as White Hart Lane, the academy product has produced a number of dynamic displays in midfield and his call up with give Hodgson the chance to have a closer look at him, while also providing him with some valuable experience.
OUT: Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool, Hip injury
Liverpool’s injury-plagued forward had joined up with Hodgson’s squad but was forced to return after scans revealed the extent of a hip injury sustained in the defeat against Manchester United. His exit opened the door for debutant Kane to potentially start up front, with a replacement not brought into the squad in Sturridge's place.
Gareth Southgate’s U21 squad
OUT: Tom Ince, Derby County, Declined
Perhaps the most baffling withdrawal came on the eve of the squad announcement when Hull City loanee Ince opted to decline the chance to play for the U21s. Ill-advised, perhaps, career-threatening, we are yet to see, but Ince’s decision was definitely the standout story from the England camp.
OUT: Callum Wilson, Bournemouth, Toe injury
Wilson has played with a toe problem for six weeks and has produced a number of eye-catching performances for the promotion-chasing Cherries. However the injury has affected his overall movement and, as a result, he pulled a hamstring in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough.
OUT: Patrick Bamford, Middlesbrough, Unspecified injury
Despite scoring scored four goals in his last five games, and having played the entire 90 minutes of Boro’s defeat at Bournemouth, Chelsea loanee Bamford withdrew from Southgate’s squad for the friendlies. The Championship promotion chasers confirmed the news but refused to specify the type of injury sustained, although it is thought Bamford needs a break while he continues to manage the ongoing problem.
OUT: Nathaniel Chalobah, Reading, Leg injury
Chalobah was forced to withdraw from Southgate’s squad after he was injured in the Royals’ 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final replay win over Bradford. The midfielder was seen leaving the Madejski Stadium in a protective boot, although the injury to his lower leg was not thought to be serious. He will return to training with Reading after the international break.
OUT: Saido Berahino, West Brom, Ankle injury
Similarly to Bamford, Berahino pulled out of the U21 squad despite playing the majority of Albion’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend. The 21-year-old, who has been carrying an ankle injury for a month, aggravated the problem at the Etihad and he is now undergoing treatment on a daily basis.
With three of his initial five strikers withdrawing from the squad, Southgate has turned the Fulham striker Woodrow as a potential partner for Burnley’s Danny Ings. Woodrow has blossomed since coming through the ranks at Craven Cottage, scoring five times in 30 appearances this season.
OUT: Eric Dier, Tottenham, Facial injury
The Spurs centre-back picked up a facial injury against Leicester at the weekend which has ruled him out of the first U21 game away to the Czech Republic in Prague. Medical staff at Spurs will monitor his recovery over the coming days and he could be available for the friendly with Germany at the Riverside Stadium.
Full injury list (following squad announcements)
Senior squad
Fraser Forster, Southampton, Knee & Shoulder
Adam Lallana, Liverpool, Groin
Danny Rose, Tottenham, Hip and Hamstring
Luke Shaw, Manchester United, Hamstring
Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool, Hip
U21 squad
Patrick Bamford, Middlesbrough, Unspecified
Saido Berahino, West Brom, Ankle
Nathaniel Chalobah, Reading, Leg
Eric Dier, Tottenham, Face
Callum Wilson, Bournemouth, Hamstring
