Tottenham ace withdraws from England squad ahead of crucial Croatia clash

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Noviembre 13, 2018 Por Ali M.

Temas: Kieran Trippier, Gareth Southgate, England, USA, Croatia, UEFA Nations League

After taking on the USA in a friendly, the Three Lions will lock horns with Modric and Co. in the UEFA Nations League, but one key player has been ruled out.

England is preparing for a crucial international break which could decide their UEFA Nations League fate. Unfortunately, the Three Lions have been hit with a huge injury blow ahead of their upcoming games.

Gareth Southgate will have to make do without the services of Kieran Trippier, as the defender was forced to withdraw from the national side due to a groin injury. The right-back picked up a knock in Tottenham's recent 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace but joined up with the national side nonetheless only to be sent back.

This means the 28-year-old will play no part in his nation's next two games. The first is a mere friendly against the United States, but the latter - a UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia - will be crucial.

BREAKING: @SpursOfficial defender Kieran Trippier has withdrawn from @England squad to face the USA and Croatia with a groin injury. #SSN pic.twitter.com/MG3WeV0q0N
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 13, 2018

England is in the race for progression. However, should Modric and Co. beat Spain and follow that up with a victory at Wembley, it will be Southgate's men that will be relegated to League B.

Trippier, one of the Three Lions' breakout stars at the 2018 World Cup, played an important role in the 3-2 win over Spain. However, he is not the only Southgate call-up to have been hit with injury.

Danny Welbeck, who had been set to join up with the national squad, suffered a nasty ankle injury in the Europa League draw with Sporting CP. The Arsenal man has undergone a second surgery and could be out for the remainder of the season.

Southgate should have enough quality ammo to cope with those absences. Welbeck has not been a starter for ages and change in formation could see Kyle Walker return to his natural right-back position, as he did in the 0-0 draw with Croatia, to replace Trippier. Trent John Alexander-Arnold is also on hand to deputize.