Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham withdrawn from England squad after injury assessment as Levi Colwill is also sent back to Chelsea due to shoulder issue

Bellingham reported for England duty at the start of the week despite missing Real Madrid's last two games because of the issue. However, after an assessment from the Three Lions' medical team the decision has been taken for the 20-year-old to continue his rehabilitation back in Spain.

England have also confirmed that Levi Colwill has been sent home, with the Chelsea defender also struggling with a shoulder problem that kept him out of the 4-4 Premier League draw against Manchester City at the weekend. Colwill and Bellingham will both be unavailable when England come up against Malta and North Macedonia in their final two Euro 2024 qualifying games over the next week.

Gareth Southgate does still have a near-full strength squad to choose from for the clash with Malta at Wembley on Friday, with England's spot at Euro 2024 already confirmed, but there will be two late additions. Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips have been granted permission to join their team-mates slightly later in the week while they attend to "personal matters".

Real Madrid will hope that Bellingham can step up his recovery after being granted permission to leave the England camp. The former Borussia Dortmund man has been an instant hit since his mega-money move to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, scoring 13 goals in his first 14 appearances. Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently sitting second in La Liga behind surprise package Girona, and will be back in action against Cadiz on November 26.