Manchester City star Phil Foden has been ruled out of the European Championship final through injury.
Foden sustained a foot injury in England training and it forced him to watch from the sidelines as the Three Lions made their final preparations at St. George's Park on Saturday afternoon, which left Gareth Southgate fearing he would be unavailable against Italy.
"We've been on the bus for the last couple of hours so the medical team will give us an update later. He's definitely doubtful although it's not something serious. It's just whether it will keep him out of this particular game.," Southgate said ahead of the game.
The England boss' fears have now sadly come true on Foden and the City youngster won't be involved at Wembley on Sunday night.
Foden's excellent performances for the Blues this City this season earned him a place in Southgate's England side and the 21-year-old was entrusted with a place in the starting lineup against Croatia and Scotland despite strong competition in attacking positions.
The Stockport born lad picked up a yellow card against Scotland, though, which truthfully halted his momentum at the tournament, as Southgate felt he was left with no choice but to drop Foden as a precaution for the final group stage against the Czech Republic.
"He's on a yellow, given that we look like we're already missing 2 players [Mount & Chilwell] for the next round, I don't want to take a risk on a third. It's a shame for Phil, but I think it's a sensible decision," Southgate said.
Kyle Walker, John Stones and Raheem Sterling are now City's three representatives in England's starting XI against Italy.
