Will Jude Bellingham be ready for England duty? Midfielder fitness update after missing two games for Real Madrid with shoulder injury

The 20-year-old midfielder has been included in the latest Three Lions squad as Gareth Southgate’s side prepare to face Malta and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualification. England have already booked their tickets to next summer’s tournament in Germany, meaning that they can afford to experiment.

That means taking no risks on those carrying untimely knocks, with Bellingham nursing a shoulder problem that he picked up in a La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano on November 5. He has missed a Champions League clash with Braga and a domestic date with Valencia as a result.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti told reporters after a 5-1 thrashing of Valencia when asked if Bellingham will be linking up with England: “He will go to be evaluated but I expect him back [in Spain] again quickly. If he didn’t play today, he can’t play with England. He has to do specific work to strengthen his shoulder and he will do that in the coming weeks. After the international break I think he will be able to play again.”

A statement from England said: "The majority of Gareth Southgate’s squad are due to report to St. George’s Park on Monday with further assessments to take place."

Tottenham playmaker James Maddison has already withdrawn from the England squad with an ankle injury, as has Newcastle striker Callum Wilson with a hamstring problem. Brighton defender Lewis Dunk has also pulled out with a groin complaint, but Chelsea centre-half Levi Colwill is expected to be passed fit despite sitting out the Blues’ thrilling 4-4 draw with Manchester City. Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and Ezri Konsa have all earned call-ups to reinforce the squad.