In a setback for England’s national team, young midfielder Jude Bellingham will be absent from the squad as they prepare for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. Bellingham, who is set to join Real Madrid, is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and will not be able to participate in the crucial matches.
Instead of joining Gareth Southgate’s squad, the 19-year-old talent will spend time at England’s national football center, where he will undergo rehabilitation for the injury that kept him out of Borussia Dortmund’s final game of the season. Bellingham’s absence proved costly for Dortmund, as they drew 2-2 against Mainz, ultimately conceding the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich.
Jude Bellingham gained prominence as one of the standout performers during England’s World Cup campaign last year. His exceptional performances on the field have led to a blockbuster deal with Real Madrid, pending a successful medical examination.
However, Bellingham is not the sole player absent from Southgate’s 25-man squad, as Brighton defender Lewis Dunk also withdrew due to injury. The Football Association (FA) confirmed this in a statement released on Sunday, stating, “Lewis Dunk has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury, while Jude Bellingham will also play no part in this month’s qualifiers.”
England’s national team has begun assembling at St George’s Park, where preparations for the upcoming qualifiers have commenced. In the following days, notable players such as West Ham’s Declan Rice and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, John Stones, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Kalvin Phillips are expected to join the squad. These players are celebrating recent successes in European competitions.
Manchester City achieved a historic treble by triumphing over Inter Milan in the Champions League final held last Saturday. Similarly, West Ham secured their first major trophy in 43 years after defeating Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, which took place on Wednesday.
England will face Malta at Ta’ Qali National Stadium on June 16, followed by a home match against North Macedonia at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 19. As the team prepares for these important fixtures, the absence of Jude Bellingham and Lewis Dunk will undoubtedly present a challenge for Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff. However, the arrival of the talented players fresh off their European triumphs is expected to boost England’s chances of success in the upcoming qualifiers.
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