England faces Euro 2024 qualifiers without key players, as Tottenham’s Fraser Forster replaces Nick Pope.

England has been dealt a blow ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifiers, with three key players – Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, and Nick Pope – withdrawing from the squad due to injury. Tottenham’s Fraser Forster has been called up to take Pope’s place, but no replacements will be made for Rashford and Mount.

Rashford, who was injured during Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Fulham on Sunday, joins Chelsea’s Mason Mount, whose fitness had already raised concerns. Mount’s selection had been questioned by Chelsea manager Graham Potter in the lead-up to the qualifiers.

Forster, who has not played for England since a 2-1 win over Australia in May 2016, returns to the squad in the hope of adding to his six international caps.

England will travel to Naples this week to face Italy on Thursday, before returning home for a match against Ukraine on Sunday. North Macedonia and Malta round off the teams in Group C for the Euro 2024 qualifiers.