Phil Jones out of Germany and Lithuania games


Defender Phil Jones has been released from the England squad for the matches against Germany and Lithuania after picking up an injury in training, the Football Association has announced.

A Football Association statement read: "Phil Jones has been released from the England squad after picking up an injury in training ahead of this evening's trip to Germany.

"The Manchester United defender has returned to his club and will not be part of the group that flies to Dortmund this evening.

"There are no immediate plans to call up a replacement but, with Gary Cahill suspended for Sunday's game against Lithuania, Gareth Southgate will assess his options following tomorrow's match."

Boss Gareth Southgate had no other injury worries ahead of the Three Lions flying to Dortmund on Tuesday afternoon.

Raheem Sterling missed the session as he is on his own personal recovery plan following Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, however there were no concerns surrounding him.

The winger was the only player absent, with City team-mate John Stones and Liverpool's Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne taking part at Burton, and the uncapped James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond also involved.

Jamie Vardy trained with his team-mates the day after revealing he received death threats following Claudio Ranieri's sacking by Leicester last month. The threats followed reports he may have had a part to play in the Italian's exit, which Vardy firmly denies.

The returning Jermain Defoe, who has not played for England since 2013, and West Brom's Jake Livermore, looking for his first cap since 2012, also featured.

Southgate's men took part in a light warm-up before a session of keep-ball at St George's Park as they look to beat Germany for the second time in a year in Wednesday's friendly.

They won 3-2 in Berlin last March thanks to Eric Dier's last-minute winner.

England then face Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday at Wembley.

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