Declan Rice is the latest player to withdraw from the England squad, with Gareth Southgate without West Ham for the World Cup qualifiers due to illness | Local News

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has withdrawn from England squad due to illness.

The 22-year-old is the latest member of Gareth Southgate’s squad not to be available for matches against Albania and San Marino.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford had already returned to their clubs.

“Declan Rice has withdrawn from the England squad,” the Football Association confirmed in a statement Wednesday evening.

“Having been unable to train due to illness since moving to St. George’s Park, the midfielder is back at West Ham United and will not play a role in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. .

“No additions to the team are planned at this time. Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have still not joined the group and continue to be evaluated after dental surgery and concussion respectively.”

Rice has had a good start to the season with the Hammers, who sit third in the Premier League after beating Liverpool last weekend.

The 22-year-old has also scored twice in four Europa League appearances, having played in all of England’s games en route to Euro 2020 final loss to Italy this summer.

Southgate may have lost three players, but so far only Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has been added as a replacement, being promoted from the Under-21 squad for his first call-up senior.

The youngster has scored four goals and provided two assists for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this season.

He will now potentially have the chance to show what he can do on the international stage, as the Three Lions prepare for two World Cup qualifiers in the next fortnight.