Jones released from England squad after picking up injury in training
Phil Jones' old-school skills won't be on display during Gareth Southgate's first two games in charge of England.
On Tuesday, the Football Association announced Jones was released from England's squad after picking up an injury in training ahead of the Three Lions' friendly against Germany, which goes Wednesday at Signal Iduna Park. The English defender will return to Manchester United and, while there are no plans to call up a replacement, Southgate will assess the options before the national team's 2018 World Cup qualifier versus Lithuania at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Phil Jones will return to #MUFC after being released from the England squad due to an injury sustained in training. pic.twitter.com/TUaonuzQFq
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 21, 2017
Gary Cahill is suspended for England's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, meaning Southgate's options at centre-back are limited to Chris Smalling, John Stones, and Michael Keane, who is uncapped.