England’s midfield and defensive options have taken a hit as Jude Bellingham and Lewis Dunk have been ruled out of the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Malta due to injuries.
Gareth Southgate’s team, sitting at the top of Group C with a perfect record of six points from matches against Italy and Ukraine, will face Malta on June 16 in Ta’ Qali as they aim to maintain their winning streak. Three days later, North Macedonia will visit Old Trafford for matchday four. Southgate had named a 26-man squad for these important fixtures on May 24.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is set to join Real Madrid, was expected to be part of the squad, having become a key player for both club and country at the age of just 19. Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion center-back Lewis Dunk earned his first call-up in nearly five years following an impressive season with his club, helping them secure a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League.
However, both Bellingham and Dunk will be unable to participate in England’s matches this month as they have withdrawn from the squad due to injuries. Bellingham missed Dortmund’s final two Bundesliga games of the 2022-23 season due to a knee injury and is still in the process of recovering. He has arrived at St George’s Park to undergo rehabilitation with the England medical team. On the other hand, Dunk did not report for duty, having also been unable to feature in Brighton’s last two Premier League matches. He expressed that a demanding season had taken its toll on him and he would focus on returning to full match fitness during the summer.
Dunk, speaking to brightonandhovealbion.com, said, “I was proud to be recalled to the England squad. My first England cap remains one of the proudest moments of my career. I never gave up hope, and I hope that opportunity will come again.”
He added, “I’m sorry it won’t be this summer, but at the end of the season, a few of us had to step up to achieve our aim of European football. A few of us were playing on adrenaline, pushing ourselves through games. I had a couple of injury issues, but our aim was to secure that top-six place and create history.”
Southgate was understanding of Dunk’s situation and provided support. Dunk stated, “I spoke to Gareth Southgate at the end of the season, after we’d achieved that. I explained that I thought I might not be fit in time for the games against Malta and North Macedonia. I didn’t want to mess him around for two important qualifiers for the country. He was excellent with me, told me to take as long as possible and give myself the best chance to be part of the squad. I’d like to thank him for that support, and wish the squad well for the two games.”
Bellingham and Dunk join a growing list of injured players for England, which includes Mason Mount, Nick Pope, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Tammy Abraham, further posing challenges for Gareth Southgate’s team in the upcoming qualifiers.
