Jude Bellingham joins list of England stars out of Euro 2024 qualifiers

The Real Madrid midfielder has become the latest big name to withdraw from the England squad.

Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill will not take part in England’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The Football Association (FA) has confirmed the pair’s withdrawals. In a statement on Tuesday, the FA said Bellingham and Colwill would leave the camp after undergoing tests at St. George’s Park. They have shoulder problems and will now return to their respective clubs, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had ruled Bellingham out at the weekend. This came after the club’s 5-1 victory over Valencia. The midfielder has been superb this season, scoring 13 goals in 14 games for his new team, whom he joined from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

Similarly, Colwill will also be absent from the England squad due to a shoulder injury. The Chelsea defender, who earned his first England cap against Australia in October, will miss the opportunity to add another cap to his haul.

John Stones, Eddie Nketiah, and James Maddison are also unavailable due to injuries.

Reece James chose to remain behind for the international break. The Chelsea captain told England manager Gareth Southgate that he wasn’t ready, having just recovered from injury.

In response, Southgate has called up Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Manchester City’s Rico Lewis, and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.

The three players hope to make their debuts on Friday when England face Malta at Wembley. The Three Lions will then swing over to North Macedonia for one last game, before the international break ends.