Danny Rose and Alex McCarthy withdraw from England squad to face Croatia and Spain with minor injuries

The Tottenham defender and Southampton goalkeeper both reported for international duty nursing physical problems

England have confirmed that Tottenham defender Danny Rose and Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy have withdrawn from Gareth Southgate’s squad due to injury.

Rose is suffering from a groin problem that required him to be substituted in the 88^th minute of Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Cardiff City in the Premier League on Saturday, while McCarthy also reported for England duty with a minor problem and has returned to Southampton for treatment.

“Having arrived in camp with minor injuries, @Alex_Macca23 and Danny Rose have now returned to their clubs and won't feature in this month's games,” a post on England’s official Twitter account said.

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck sat out as the other 22 players in Southgate's squad trained at St George's Park on Thursday, but will remain with England.

McCarthy’s withdrawal leaves Southgate with three goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Marcus Bettinelli – to call upon for Uefa Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain, while Luke Shaw or Ben Chilwell will start at left-back in Rose’s absence.

Southgate named six uncapped players in his latest England squad, with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, Chelsea loanee Mason Mount and Leicester City midfielder James Maddison the headline inclusions.

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley was also recalled after a two-year absence, while Nathaniel Chalobah of Watford and Harry Winks of Tottenham both regained their spots after returning from long-term injuries.

England face Croatia in Rijeka on Friday before taking on Spain in Seville on Monday, and know that two defeats will leave them on the brink of relegation from group A4 of the Uefa Nations League.