Bellingham and Colwill out of England's Euro 2024 qualifiers

Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill will miss England's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia with shoulder injuries.

The duo were initially named in Gareth Southgate's squad but have now withdrawn to focus on their rehabilitation.

Southgate has yet to name a replacement for either player.

Bellingham, 20, has been crucial to England's success in the last 12 months, flourishing in two wins against Italy as well as in September's 3-1 victory over Scotland.

With 27 caps for the Three Lions to his name already, he has made a sensational impact at Real Madrid since signing from Borussia Dortmund during the summer, scoring 13 goals in 14 appearances.

His absence was always likely after Real boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed that "he can't play with England" due to injury.

Colwill, 20, made his senior international debut in the 1-0 friendly victory over Australia last month and looked set to play a role for Southgate this week as the only left-footed defender in the squad.

He has broken through at Chelsea this season, making 14 appearances for Mauricio Pochettino's Blues.

England take on Malta at Wembley on Friday before travelling to North Macedonia on Monday.

Maximum points should guarantee the Euro 2020 runners-up a spot as top seeds for the Euro 2024 draw next month, meaning they would avoid the likes of hosts Germany in the group stage.

Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips should be available for both matches, despite joining up late with the squad due to personal issues.

Southgate's side secured qualification for next summer's tournament with a 3-1 victory over the Azzurri last month.