Jack Butland has been forced to withdraw from the England squad after breaking his finger in training on Thursday, the Football Association has revealed.
The 24-year-old was due to start in goal in Friday's friendly against Germany at Wembley but he has now returned to Stoke where he will continue to be assessed by the club’s medical staff.
Butland is the seventh player to withdraw from Gareth Southgate's squad during the international break, leaving the England head coach with the barebones ahead of games against Germany and Brazil.
Southgate wanted to reward Butland with the chance to challenge for the No.1 jersey but injury has ruled him out of his big audition.
Butland was sidelined for more than 12 months after picking up a serious ankle injury against Germany in March 2016 and he has now suffered similar heartbreak for the Three Lions.
Despite his injury, Joe Hart will still have to watch Friday's game from the bench as Southgate will reportedly hand a start to Everton youngster Jordan Pickford.
Of goalkeepers that have made at least five Premier League appearances this season, only Simon Mignolet (53.8%) has a worse save success rate than Butland (56.3%).
