14 November 2023 , 13:21
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Gareth Southgate faces slim pickings ahead of England's latest double-header after FIVE players withdrew from the squad and many others missed training on Tuesday.
Despite flying back to England and arriving at St George's Park, Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham has pulled out alongside Chelsea defender Levi Colwill. The duo join James Maddison, Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk, who all were forced to withdraw over the weekend. That allowed youngsters Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis to be called up as well as Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa, but Southgate's problems didn't end there.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will both arrive later this week due to what the FA say are "personal matters." Meanwhile, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher all missed training on Tuesday, scuppering Southgate's preparations ahead of Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta.
Although the Three Lions have already booked their place in Germany, the clash with Malta marks their final competitive match at Wembley before the tournament begins next summer. Next Monday, Southgate's side finish off their qualifying campaign away to North Macedonia.
Two wins would guarantee England a top seeding in the group-stage draw which is due to take place in Hamburg on Saturday December 2. Southgate's options for this month are limited, with Bellingham now among his most important players and starring in the 3-1 victory over Italy in October.
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Jude Bellingham won't play for England this month (Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Levi Colwill has also returned to his club, Chelsea (Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)The 20-year-old recently suffered a shoulder injury and has missed Real Madrid's last two games. That's halted Bellingham's incredible start to life at the Bernabeu, scoring a whopping 13 goals in 14 appearances as an advanced midfielder, including a brace in El Clasico.
Maddison was also knocking on the door for a starting place under Southgate, having enjoyed an excellent season with Tottenham before suffering an ankle injury last week which is set to keep him sidelined until January. Their absences present an opportunity for other players, particularly Chelsea hotshot Palmer and in-form West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen.
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Marcus Rashford is currently absent for personal reasons (Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
The same goes for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)On his extra call-ups, Southgate said: "We're excited to work with the three lads we've called in. They're three players we haven't worked with at senior level before." The Three Lions boss added: "In terms of seedings for the finals next summer, we want as much control over our own destiny as we can."