Fraser Forster called up to the England squad to replace Sam Johnstone ahead of Switzerland, Ivory Coast games

Fraser Forster has been called up to the England squad for the first time since 2017. Forster takes the place of Sam Johnstone, who initially came into the squad to replace Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale who has a hip injury. Ad/> Johnstone missed training on Tuesday before withdrawing from the squad on Wednesday due to illness.

World CupKane conflicted about Qatar World Cup: 'There are some issues you can’t hide away from'4 HOURS AGO The 34-year-old will join up with Southampton team-mates James Ward-Prowse and Kyle Walker-Peters in Gareth Southgate's squad that will take on Switzerland on March 26 and Ivory Coast on March 29 at Wembley Stadium. Forster has not played for England since a friendly against Australia in 2016, but has impressed for Southampton in his 12 appearances since taking the place of injured No. 1 Alex McCarthy on Boxing Day.

With Everton's Jordan Pickford and Burnley's Nick Pope also in the squad, it is unlikely Forster will get many — if any — minutes as he will likely be the third-choice goalkeeper. /> Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell received their first England call-ups on Monday when Johnstone and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins — a replacement for the injured Tammy Abraham — were also brought in. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka missed England training on Wednesday as he is suffering with an illness.