Rashford, Mount and Pope out of England squad while Forster returns

Marcus Rashford, Nick Pope and Mason Mount have been withdrawn from the England squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Football Association has confirmed.

Fraser Forster has been called up as a replacement for the injured Pope but no further additions to the group are planned by the manager, Gareth Southgate.

The in-form forward Rashford sustained a knock in Manchester United’s FA Cup victory against Fulham on Sunday, while the Chelsea midfielder Mount is also to remain with his club for treatment.

The goalkeeper Pope reported an injury after Newcastle’s Premier League win at Nottingham Forest on Friday and will also not join the squad. His absence means Tottenham’s former Southampton goalkeeper Forster, 35, returns to the international fold for the first time in a year and will have a chance to add to his six caps.

England face Italy in Naples on Thursday before hosting Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday.