Pickford withdraws from England squad
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the Wold Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia due to injury.
Pickford was in contention to win his first cap for the 'Three Lions' in either Friday's game in Malta or next Monday's game against Solvakia at Wembley but he has been forced to drop out due to a muscle problem.
The 23-year-old is thought to have sustained the injury in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea.
England boss Gareth Southgate will not call up a replacement for Pickford, having already named four goalkeepers in his squad.
The England boss will still have Joe Hart, Jack Butland and Tom Heaton to choose from the the upcoming qualifiers.
An FA statement released on Tuesday said: "Having reported to St George's Park on Sunday evening, the 23-year-old underwent an assessment on a muscle injury sustained playing for his club.
"After discussions between England and Everton medics, it was decided it was in the player's best interests to return to [Everton's training ground] Finch Farm for further treatment."