First call-up for Grealish but Rashford, Winks out

Jack Grealish has received his first England call-up for the Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark but Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks have withdrawn from the squad.

Aston Villa captain Grealish has previously represented England at Under-21 level and was a member of Gareth South ga te’ sToul on Tournament- winning squad of 2016, but has never previously been involved with the senior side.

South gate was criticised in some quarters for his initial decision to leave the 24- year-old midfielder out of his group. But following a change of heart Grealish has been given his first chance to prove himself on the international stage, after an im pr essive campaign in which he played a pivotal role in Villa’ s Premier League survival.

Grealish, pictured, opted to represent England in 2015, having also had the choice to play for the Republic of Ireland, whom he had previously represented at youth level.

Manchester United striker Rashford has withdrawn from Southgate’s squad with an ankle injury, while Tottenham midfielder Winks has also been forced to return to his club, the Football Association confirmed in a squad update issued yesterday afternoon.

Rashford posted on social media: “Gutted. Never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me. I tried my best but I have to focus on starting these ason at my strongest for club and country. Good luck boys, I’ll be cheering you on from home @ england”

England face Iceland in Reykjavik on 5 September before travelling to Copenhagen to play Denmark three days later. The disruption caused to the football calendar by coronavirus, including Euro 2020 being delayed by a year until 2021, means England have not played since November 2019 when a 4-0 win in Kosovo concluded their Euro 2020 qualification campaign.