England Under 21s goalkeeper James Trafford is called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for Belgium friendly to replace injured Sam Johnstone – with Man City starlet Rico Lewis also promoted
- James Trafford will replace Sam Johnstone in the England squad as injuries tell
- Rico Lewis also steps up from England’s U21 side to replace team-mate Walker
- England’s Euro 2004 team was incredible on paper but they didn’t win. Can this crop do it this summer? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
England have been hit with a trio of withdrawals ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Belgium after Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Sam Johnstone all pulled out of the squad.
Maguire and Walker suffered injuries in Saturday’s loss against Brazil and have returned to Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively, for treatment.
Walker’s club team-mate Rico Lewis – who has one senior cap – is promoted into the seniors from the Under-21s.
The defender’s problem appears to be hamstring related, with the player swapped for Aston Villa‘s Ezri Konsa after just 20 minutes against the friendly opponents.
United lynchpin Maguire’s injury will likely concern his manager Erik ten Hag, whose squad has been ravaged by issues across the park during this 2023-24 campaign.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has been moved up to the England senior squad
In goal, Crystal Palace keeper Johnstone has an elbow issue and is returning to Selhurst Park. The Eagles player’s injury is not believed to be serious.
Burnley keeper James Trafford, originally in the U21s squad, has replaced Johnstone, but news of his promotion comes just one week after the goalkeeper was dropped by his club Burnley.
Former Manchester City graduate Trafford had previously been the only member of Vincent Kompany’s squad to play every minute of every league game this season.
Sections of the Clarets fanbase had been calling for Vincent Komany to make the change for some time and he did so with Arijanet Muric coming in for the 2-1 win over Brentford.
Trafford has played for England’s youth level sides since the age of 16 and has made 17 appearances for the U21 side.
In the wake of the reshuffle, the Three Lions were quick to congratulate the U21 European Championship winner on his promotion.
With the spate of casualties, Gareth Southgate’s plans for the games against Brazil and Belgium have been ruined by injuries.
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has left the England camp after suffering a minor elbow injury
Harry Kane has returned back to Bayern Munich for treatment on his ankle injury after watching Saturday’s clash from the stands at Wembley, while Bukayo Saka is back at Arsenal having originally reported for duty.
Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marc Guehi, Kieran Trippier and Reece James – who would usually be in the squad – are all unavailable through injury.
