JOHN STONES has left the England camp just hours before the World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
The Manchester City defender was named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad last week.
However, he will now play no part in tomorrow’s qualifier against Andorra or the following clash against Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Tuchel, 52, confirmed the news when speaking to reporters on Friday.
It comes after the 31-year-old – who has 83 England caps – arrived in camp with a minor muscle injury, which Tuchel does not want to risk.
Ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel said: “Unfortunately, John Stones [has] just left.
“He came with minor muscle issues in camp and he hasn’t progressed how we hoped.
“So he left camp this morning because we will not take the risk against Andorra and also, unfortunately, against Serbia.”
A statement from his club added Stones’ withdrawal was a precautionary measure.
Bayer Leverkusen star Jarell Quansah was called up to the Three Lions squad on Tuesday, meaning Tuchel already has a natural replacement lined up to partner Marc Guehi.
Tuchel revealed everyone else from the 21 players who had been in full training was available for selection.
Like former Liverpool man Quansah, ex-Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek was added to the squad for his first national team camp since 2018.
There were some shock selections in the latest England national team, with no Trent Alexander-Arnold or Jack Grealish included.
However, Djed Spence could make history by becoming the first Muslim player to represent the Three Lions if Tuchel gives the Tottenham defender his international debut.
On that potential milestone, the 25-year-old said: “It’s a blessing – it’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really.
“I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”
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