Major update to England squad ahead of key Euro qualifiers as star man and centre-back set to miss both games
JUDE BELLINGHAM is OUT of England’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, 19, will remain in Gareth Southgate’s squad as he heads to St George’s Park for rehab on an ongoing knee injury.
But Brighton defender Lewis Dunk has been forced to pull out of the squad due to his own injury issues.
The Seagulls skipper said: “I was proud to be recalled to the England squad. My first England cap remains one of the proudest moments of my career. I never gave up hope, and I hope that opportunity will come again.
“I’m sorry it won’t be this summer but at the end of the season, a few of us had to step up to achieve our aim of European football.
“A few of us were playing on adrenaline, pushing ourselves through games. I had a couple of injury issues, but our aim was to secure that top six place and create history.
“I spoke to Gareth Southgate at the end of the season, after we’d achieved that. I explained that I thought I might not be fit in time for the games against Malta and North Macedonia. I didn’t want to mess him around for two important qualifiers for the country.
“He was excellent with me, told me to take as long as possible and give myself the best chance to be part of the squad. I’d like to thank him for that support, and wish the squad well for the two games.”
Bellingham, 19, failed to play any part in Borussia Dortmund’s heartbreaking final day defeat to Mainz which cost them the Bundesliga title.
And two weeks on it remains unclear whether he will play any part for Gareth Southgate in the Three Lions’ upcoming matches away at Malta on June 16 and at home to North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.
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The games come more than a fortnight after the conclusion of the Premier League season and one week after the Champions League final.
Southgate’s squad began to report for international duty on Sunday.
But a number of players will be given more time such as West Ham skipper Declan Rice – who led the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory on Wednesday evening.
And Man City’s England stars will also be given some downtime as they celebrate Saturday night’s Champions League triumph.
That includes John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.
Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling was left out of the squad announced by Southgate last month – although it was later confirmed this was due to a fitness issue.
Explaining the decision, the England boss said: “I spoke with him a week or so ago. A general catch-up. He is not happy physically and has been carrying a hamstring problem.
“He was not in consideration so we did not get to the point whether he should be in or out. He does not think he is operating at the level he needs so that was the conversation.”
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is in line for his England debut, while there were also recalls for Callum Wilson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyrone Mings.
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope missed out after undergoing surgery on his hand.
And there’s no call-up for Arsenal’s Ben White after he quit England’s World Cup squad.
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, recently hailed as the “signing of the season” by Jamie Carragher, misses out.
And there’s no room for Levi Colwill, who has shined on loan at Brighton from Chelsea.
Brentford’s Rico Henry was also hoping to be selected following Ben Chilwell’s injury, as was in-form Villa striker Ollie Watkins.