Phil Jones suffers injury following tackle from Chris Smalling in England training

ByEurosport

Updated 22/03/2017 at 10:28 GMT

Phil Jones has been released from the England squad after picking up an injury following a tackle from Manchester United team-mate Chris Smalling in training.

The Manchester United defender will be out of the friendly match in Germany on Wednesday evening and his withdrawal limits the options of manager Gareth Southgate ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday.

Southgate revealed that it was a tackle from his United team-mate Smalling that caused the injury.

Premier League

Ten Hag confirms 'ill' Rashford a doubt for Bournemouth clash, Jones to leave this summer

19/05/2023 at 12:19

"It was just an innocuous tackle," he said. "Phil caught the bottom of his foot in the challenge and we think he suffered an injury to his toe."

An FA statement said: "Phil Jones has been released from the England squad after picking up an injury in training ahead of this evening’s trip to Germany.

The Manchester United defender has returned to his club and will not be part of the group that flies to Dortmund this evening.

"There are no immediate plans to call up a replacement but, with Gary Cahill suspended for Sunday’s game against Lithuania, Gareth Southgate will assess his options following tomorrow’s match."

Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in England training

Image credit: PA Sport

Jones, 25, was hoping to make his first international appearance since November 2015, and had told reporters after United's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough last weekend he was looking forward to playing.

He said: "Looking forward to it - it has been a while because of injuries and not been playing. Hopefully I can have a good week there and do well.

"People write people off too quickly. When you are not playing you are out of sight and out of mind, that's football.

"But I have had a good run before a little knock and I am back now."

Raheem Sterling also missed Tuesday morning's session at St George's Park as he is on his own personal recovery plan following Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, but there were no concerns surrounding him.

Additional reporting by PA Sport.

Serie A

Napoli maintain unbeaten start thanks to Osimhen stunner at Roma

23/10/2022 at 21:10

Serie A

Smalling grabs late winner as Roma come from behind to beat Inter

01/10/2022 at 18:27

Transfers

Ten Hag plans clearout with 10 players to leave Man Utd – Paper Round

20/05/2022 at 07:36