Friday 7 October 2016 12:27, UK
Everton defender Phil Jagielka has had to withdraw from the England squad for the World Cup Qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia due to a thigh strain.
The 34-year-old has returned to his club for treatment and is expected to be fit in time for next Saturday's Premier League trip to leaders Manchester City.
Interim England boss Gareth Southgate is not planning to call a replacement into the squad, meaning John Stones and Gary Cahill may continue at the heart of the defence, with Chris Smalling and the uncapped Michael Keane also in contention.
Cahill was unable to train at St George's Park on Friday morning due to a sore throat but is expected to be available for the Malta game on Saturday [5pm kick-off].
Raheem Sterling and Glen Johnson pulled out of the squad earlier in the week due to injury, and were replaced by Andros Townsend and Keane.
The games against Malta at Wembley and in Slovenia on Tuesday night will be England's first under the leadership of Southgate, who is in charge for the four remaining internationals this year.
Sam Allardyce was at the helm for England's first game in Group F, a 1-0 win in Slovakia, but subsequently left his post after just one match in charge, following a Daily Telegraph investigation into corruption in football.
