Lewis Dunk WITHDRAW from England squad due to injury ahead of European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia… with Jude Bellingham also set to miss due to knee problems
- Jude Bellingham and Lewis Dunk are unavailable for England’s upcoming games
- Brighton defender Dunk has to withdraw due to injury
- While Bellingham will play no part in games but will still join the team
Lewis Dunk has been forced to withdraw from England ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
Jude Bellingham will join Gareth Southagate’s side at his own request, but will not play as he recovers from a persistent knee injury.
Dunk, who was troubled by a foot problem, earned a deserved recall on the international stage after his outstanding season at Brighton, but has withdrawn due to a back and rib complaint.
Dunk said: ‘I was proud to be called back to the England squad. My first English cap remains one of the proudest moments of my career. I have never given up hope and I hope that opportunity will come again.
“I’m sorry it won’t be this summer, but at the end of the season some of us had to go the extra mile to reach our goal of European football.
Brighton defender Lewis Dunk has to withdraw from England with an injury
Jude Bellingham will not play in the upcoming games, but will join the national team
“Some of us played on adrenaline and pushed ourselves through games. I had a few injury problems, but our goal was to secure that top six place and make history.
“I spoke to Gareth Southgate at the end of the season after we achieved that. I explained that I thought I might not be fit in time for the games against Malta and North Macedonia.
“I didn’t want to bother him before two important qualifiers for the country.
Dunk had earned a deserved recall to the national team after an outstanding season at Brighton
The English national coach Gareth Southgate (photo) will have to do without Dunk and Bellingham in the coming games
“He was excellent with me, told me to take as long as possible and give myself the best chance to be part of the squad.
“I want to thank him for that support and wish the team the best for the two games.”
Bellingham missed Borussia Dortmund’s season finale due to persistent knee problems that have haunted him for weeks.
The 19-year-old who joins Real Madrid will play no part in the upcoming matches but will report to continue his recovery.
West Ham skipper Declan Rice, who led his club to Europa Conference League glory last week, and Manchester City’s victorious Champions League contingent will join later and miss Friday’s game in Malta.