Declan Rice withdraws from England squad with illness ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Declan Rice has withdrawn from the England squad due to illness.

Following an impeccable spell of form with West Ham, the midfielder was set to feature against Albania and San Marino in World Cup qualification.

But the Three Lions confirmed that he was forced to sit out training since joining up with the squad after feeling unwell. Rice has not tested positive for Covid and is thought to have the flu.

Gareth Southgate is not currently planning on calling up a replacement to his squad.

A statement read: “Having been unable to train due to illness since reporting to St. George’s Park, the midfielder has returned to West Ham and will play no part in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.”

England have contended with a number of fitness problems ahead of the games, losing Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse shortly after the squad’s announcement. Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe was called up for the first time as a result.

Mason Mount will miss the match against Albania following dental surgery, with Manchester United defender Luke Shaw still being monitored after a concussion in the Manchester derby.

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