Leighton Baines has become the third player to withdraw from England’s squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia after sustaining an injury in training.
The left-back has returned to Everton for treatment on a hamstring injury and will also miss Tuesday’s friendly against Scotland in Glasgow. Kieran Gibbs, who played in the 5-0 win over San Marino last month, will start against Slovenia at Wembley given Luke Shaw was not included in the 23-player squad submitted to Uefa by Friday’s deadline.
The extent of Baines’ injury was only ascertained once the deadline had passed, ruling Shaw out of contention. The Manchester United defender is now expected to earn his fourth cap at Parkhead. Baines joins Michael Carrick and Andros Townsend, who have withdrawn with groin and ankle injuries respectively, in returning to their clubs.
