Lewis Dunk WITHDRAWS from England squad with Jude Bellingham also set to miss out amid knee problem 

Lewis Dunk has been forced to withdraw from the England ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Jude Bellingham will join up with Gareth Southagate’s party at his own request but will not play as he recovers from an ongoing knee injury.

Dunk, who had been nursing a foot problem, earned a deserved recall to the international scene following his excellent season at Brighton but he has pulled out due to a back and rib complaint.

Dunk said: ‘I was proud to be recalled to the England squad. My first England cap remains one of the proudest moments of my career. I never gave up hope, and I hope that opportunity will come again.

‘I’m sorry it won’t be this summer but at the end of the season, a few of us had to step up to achieve our aim of European football.

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk has been forced to withdraw from England duties

Jude Bellingham won’t feature in upcoming games but will still join up with the national team

‘A few of us were playing on adrenaline, pushing ourselves through games. I had a couple of injury issues, but our aim was to secure that top six place and create history.

‘I spoke to Gareth Southgate at the end of the season, after we’d achieved that. I explained that I thought I might not be fit in time for the games against Malta and North Macedonia. I didn’t want to mess him around for two important qualifiers for the country.

Dunk had earned a deserved recall to the national team after an excellent season at Brighton

England boss Gareth Southgate (pictured) will be without Dunk and Bellingham for upcoming games

‘He was excellent with me, told me to take as long as possible and give myself the best chance to be part of the squad. I’d like to thank him for that support, and wish the squad well for the two games.’

Bellingham missed Borussia Dortmund’s season finale with the persistent knee problem that has dogged him for weeks.

The 19-year-old who is set to join Real Madrid will not play a part in the forthcoming fixtures but will report for duty to continue his recovery.

West Ham skipper Declan Rice, who led his club to Europa Conference League glory last week, and Manchester City’s triumphant Champions League contingent will join up later and will miss Friday’s game in Malta.