Bertrand pulls out of England squad with back problem
The left-back will miss friendlies against Holland and Italy.
Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand has pulled out of the England squad due to a back issue.
The 28-year-old was named in Gareth Southgate’s 27-man squad for the World Cup warm-up friendlies against Holland and Italy.
Bertrand helped Southampton to a 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory against Wigan on Sunday and has now returned to the club as a precautionary measure.
A Football Association statement read: “Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has returned to his club for further assessment on a back issue.
“Bertrand’s withdrawal is a precautionary measure and he will play no part in the forthcoming fixtures against the Netherlands and Italy.”
Ashley Young and Danny Rose remain left-back options in the England squad.
Under-fire Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is among the options to replace Bertrand if Southgate decides to call up an extra player.
