Southampton confirmed yesterday that goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has now withdrawn from the England group owing to an injury.
Full details of the problem weren’t given in the announcement, it was just described as being a ‘minor injury’ and one that he had headed to St George’s Park nursing and from that I take it that he’s just carrying a small knock that wouldn’t have necessarily kept him out of contention for the upcoming international clashes if he was really needed.
With England manager Gareth Southgate having options though, sensibly it has been decided to let him return to Staplewood for further treatment and a proper rest during the international break so the issue can clear itself up 100%.
The announcement by saintsfc also said that whilst with England he has made ‘positive progress’ over the last few days, so I definitely don’t think there is reason to worry here ahead of the return to action against Bournemouth on December 20.
With our form and results so far this season, we definitely need McCarthy at his best to help us turn our form around.
