Injured Daniel Sturridge pulls out of Lithuania and Italy games

England manager Roy Hodgson has suffered another blow ahead of clashes with Lithuania and Italy with news Daniel Sturridge has withdrawn from the squad.

 

Reports earlier on Monday suggested the Liverpool striker was a doubt for the international break after picking up a suspected hip injury during Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.

And the Football Association confirmed the same evening that the frontman, who reported to St George’s Park on Monday afternoon, has been sent back to his club for scans on the problem.

An FA statement said: "Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has left the England squad and returned home to his club on Monday evening.

"This follows a scan on an injury that he sustained during Liverpool's game against Manchester United on Sunday.

"The England medical team took the decision on Monday evening having assessed Daniel following the squad's arrival at St. George's Park on Monday afternoon."

Sturridge joins fellow Liverpool star Adam Lallana in withdrawing from the Three Lions side, and his absence increases the likelihood of Tottenham's Harry Kane playing a significant role in the upcoming games against Lithuania and Italy - the first a Euro 2016 qualifier - after the 21-year-old received his first call-up on Thursday.

Earlier on Monday, Roy Hodgson called up uncapped Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason to replace Lallana, who suffered a groin injury in the loss to United.

Danny Rose, Jack Butland and Robert Green were also added to the squad on Saturday following the withdrawal of Fraser Forster and Luke Shaw.