England international forced to withdraw from squad

 

Jamie Vardy has been forced to withdraw from the England squad that will face Scotland in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday and France three days later after suffering a thigh injury in training on Wednesday.

 

The 30-year-old felt pain in his quad muscle in training with the England squad at St George’s Park and will not be risked in their upcoming matches by manager Gareth Southgate, who has opted against calling up a replacement for the Leicester striker.

 

Vardy has been a regular in the England squad under Southgate and has scored two goals in his last three appearances for the Three Lions, including a superb diving header in their 2-2 draw with Spain back in November.

 

England international forced to withdraw from squad

 

However, Southgate has turned down the chance to draft in Wayne Rooney or Daniel Sturridge and will instead rely on current strikers Harry Kane, Jermain Defoe and Marcus Rashford for their final two matches of the season.

 

After a slow start to the season, Vardy finished the season strongly and played a direct hand in 18 goals in 35 league appearances for Leicester (13 goals, five goals).

 

For more stats on Jamie Vardy, click here to visit his WhoScored player page