Milner pulls out of England squad
A hamstring injury has forced James Milner to withdraw from the England squad for the friendlies against Spain and France.
James Milner has withdrawn from the England squad to face Spain and France owing to injury.
The Liverpool midfielder missed Monday's (AEDT) defeat to Crystal Palace with a hamstring problem but had been named in Roy Hodgson's squad for the friendly matches this Saturday (AEDT) in Alicante and next Wednesday (AEDT) at Wembley.
The Football Association confirmed the news before adding that no replacement will be called up in Milner's stead, meaning Hodgson's midfield options for both matches are restricted to Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Adam Lallana, Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had initially played down the severity of the problem the former Manchester City man sustained in the UEFA Europa League win over Rubin Kazan.
"He had not the best moment with his muscle," Klopp said last week. "But he's an experienced player, and it was nothing serious and in this moment he can train."