The Guardian (USA)

Bellingham clear to join England squad but Marcus Rashford an injury doubt

- Jacob Steinberg

England have been given a boost before their World Cup qualifiers after Jude Bellingham received permission from the German government to report for internatio­nal duty this week.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was a major doubt to face San Marino, Albania and Poland because of Covid-19 regulation­s that would have forced him to quarantine for 14 days after returning to Germany. Although Gareth Southgate named Bellingham in his squad last Thursday, England’s manager said it was unlikely Dortmund would allow the 17-year-old to travel.

However, the situation has changed after Bellingham, who has impressed since joining Dortmund from Birmingham last year, received an exemption. The teenager’s involvemen­t will increase Southgate’s options in midfield, with Jordan Henderson unavailabl­e because of a groin injury.

England have a potential headache in attack after Marcus Rashford missed Manchester United’s FA Cup tie at Leicester on Sunday because of a foot injury. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United’s manager, said: “The doctor will speak to the English [Football Associatio­n] but I think he’ll travel and report [for internatio­nal duty]. Maybe he’ll be fit for them.”

Poland, who face England on 31 March, have also benefited from the German government’s stance. They had feared being without their star striker, Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowsk­i, but he has received the necessary exemption, which strengthen­ed England’s case when it came to Bellingham.

 ?? Photograph: Getty Images ?? Jude Bellingham in action for Borussia Dortmund this month. He has an exception from German quarantine regulation­s.
Photograph: Getty Images Jude Bellingham in action for Borussia Dortmund this month. He has an exception from German quarantine regulation­s.

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