Butland latest injury a blow for England
london — England suffered another injury blow ahead of their friendlies against Germany and Brazil when goalkeeper Jack Butland suffered a broken finger in training on Thursday.
“The goalkeeper has now returned to Stoke City to be assessed by his (Premier League) club’s medical staff,” the FA said in a statement.
No replacement keeper has been called up, leaving Joe Hart and Jordan Pickford to pick from for Friday’s game at Wembley against world champions Germany.
England manager Gareth Southgate has lost several players to injury with Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph, Jordan Henderson and the Tottenham Hotspur trio of Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Harry Winks all missing.
However, another Tottenham player, 23-year-old defensive midfielder Eric Dier, will captain England against the Germans.
“Eric is an established player in the side now. He plays with maturity and intelligence. He understands the game really well. He is also a great role model,” Southgate said.
“His approach to everything is very professional. He hardly ever misses a game and plays in an unselfish manner. I think he can be even more of a leader than he currently is and I am hoping giving him this reward and responsibility will also bring even more out of him as well,” he added.
Dier will be the sixth player to captain England since Southgate took charge of the side just over a year ago.
England face Brazil at Wembley on Tuesday. —