20 March 2023 , 15:00
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Marcus Rashford has been withdrawn from the England squad to face Italy and Ukraine this week after sustaining a knock in Manchester United's FA Cup win over Fulham at Old Trafford yesterday, while the FA have confirmed that goalkeeper Nick Pope and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount are also pulling out of the squad.
Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been called up to replace Newcastle stopper Pope but neither outfield player will be replaced.
Mount's absence was expected after Chelsea head coach Graham Potter revealed his surprise at the midfielder's inclusion last Friday. He has been suffering from a pubic bone injury.
Marcus Rashford has pulled out of the England squad to face Italy and Ukraine because of "a knock" according to the FA. (Jon Super/AP/REX/Shutterstock)"He's never been available as far as I am aware," Potter said. "He needed a bit of time for his injury to settle down which has pretty much ruled him out of England. Whether that meant they needed a bit of time to double-check that, I don't know."
"I don’t think there is anything untoward at all. It's more that sometimes with these things he can be named and yet there's still a couple of days where things can be changed. But from my selection perspective he wasn't available for the weekend."
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Rashford was substituted in the 83rd minute of United's comeback win against Fulham but his injury was not discussed. He could be seen limping before being replaced by Fred.
The FA said in a statement: "Fraser Forster has been added to the England squad following Nick Pope’s withdrawal.
"The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper was last with the Three Lions in March 2022 and has six caps to his name since making his debut in 2013. Pope will remain with Newcastle United after reporting an injury following his club’s win at Nottingham Forest on Friday.
" Marcus Rashford will also miss out on the forthcoming UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers having picked up a knock during Manchester United ’s Emirates FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday. Similarly, Mason Mount will not report for international duty this week as he continues rehabilitation with Chelsea.
"No further replacements are planned and 23 players arrived at St. George’s Park on Monday ahead of fixtures against Italy in Naples on Thursday 23 March and Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday 26 March."