Joe Hart, Raheem Sterling drop out of England squad, Tom Heaton called up
:focal(179x135:181x133)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/03/26/1443595-30868867-310-310.jpg)
Updated 21/03/2016 at 13:31 GMT
Manchester City stars Joe Hart and Raheem Sterling have both dropped out of the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Netherlands due to injury.
Manchester City's Joe Hart receives treatment after sustaining an injury
Image credit: Reuters
Hart has been replaced by Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton but Roy Hodgson has not opted to call up another outfield player despite losing Sterling.
Both City stars picked up injuries in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday and are expected to be out for a month.
England play Germany in Berlin on Saturday March 26 before hosting Netherlands on March 29 at Wembley.
[ANAYLSIS: Euro 2016 status report: England]
"Obviously it’s very disappointing for Joe and Raheem to suffer injuries which will rule them out of our games against Germany and Holland," said Hodgson.
"They are important players in our squad and I wish them a speedy recovery.
"Tom has been with us on several occasions and I am welcoming him back into the fold."
Heaton is yet to make his international debut but has represented England at multiple youth levels. Stoke City's Jack Butland is expected to play in the upcoming friendlies.
England also confirmed that coach Gary Neville will only be joining up with Hodgson's squad on Thursday - the day before they fly to Berlin.
Neville has presided over a poor run of form as Valencia manager, with fans demanding his departure as the club lost 2-0 at home to Celta Vigo at the weekend.
He has opted to remain at the club for a few more days, saying that, "the two or three million people in Valencia need my attention this week."
Scan me
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement