John Stones’ injury has given England manager Gareth Southgate the chance to explore his centre-back options in the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. The City defender was forced off with a problem in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Young Boys with boss Pep Guardiola admitting it is “deep bad news”. Stones only returned to action in October after a two-month absence with hamstring and hip problems but Southgate had no hesitation in starting him in the important qualifying win over Italy. But with qualification for the summer’s tournament in Germany already secured, Southgate – who names his squad on Thursday – can afford to look at his back-up options. Brighton captain Lewis Dunk and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori started together in last month’s friendly win over Australia but Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi was the man Southgate opted to replace Stones for the final 27 minutes against Italy and has the most caps of the trio. Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw meant Kieran Trippier filled in at left-back against Italy but Chelsea’s Levi Colwill started against Australia and could be another one to benefit from any experimentation. Colwill’s club captain Reece James could be in for a recall having returned from injury while Chelsea team-mate Raheem Sterling will be hoping two goals and some improved form in his last five matches will earn him a call-up for the first time since the World Cup. Those chances could be enhanced depending on the extent of the ankle injury sustained by James Maddison during Tottenham’s loss to Chelsea on Monday and how significant the hamstring problem which forced off Callum Wilson in Newcastle’s Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund. But Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka should return after withdrawing from the squad in October. Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips’ 49 minutes of action since his international start against Italy is unlikely to count against him, but James Ward-Prowse is knocking on the door of a first call-up in 14 months after a number of good performances for West Ham. Read More Jos Buttler wants to remain as England one-day captain despite poor World Cup Lauren Williams opens up on challenging time coping with Tokyo heartbreak Michael O’Neill expecting a tough international window for Northern Ireland

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Gareth Southgate is set to name his England squad as his side prepare to conclude their Euro 2024 qualifying efforts. England take on Malta and North Macedonia in their final two Group C fixtures. Southgate’s team are yet to lose in their qualifying campaign and secured their place at next summer’s tournament with a 3-1 win against Italy in October. The manager has stressed, though, that he his intent on victory in these final two games to secure as high a seeding as possible ahead of the Euros draw at the start of December. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the squad announcement. When is England’s squad announced? Gareth Southgate will name his England squad at 2pm GMT on Thursday 9 November. When are England’s matches? Friday 17 November 2023, 7.45pm GMT, Wembley Stadium, London England vs Malta (Euro 2024 qualifier) Monday 20 November 2023, 7.45pm GMT, Tose Proeski Arena, Skopje North Macedonia vs England (Euro 2024 qualifier) How can I watch them? Both matches will be shown live in the United Kingdom on Channel 4, and will be available to stream via the Channel 4 website. Who could be included in the squad? Ollie Watkins was recalled to Southgate’s squad for the last set of international fixtures, and will hope for inclusion again having scored against Australia. Raheem Sterling has now missed out on four successive selections to illustrate the competition for places in forward areas, while there will be focus again on Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson given their club situations. Manager Southgate has backed both, though, and two trusted individuals could well make the cut. Bukayo Saka and Reece James are back from injury, as is Eberechi Eze, while James Maddison is an injury doubt. Read More England reveal March friendlies against two top-five opponents Sarina Wiegman’s sister told her to ‘seize this prize’ at Euros before her death Jonas Eidevall hits back at Gareth Taylor over ‘bullying’ claim: ‘It’s slander’ Jonas Eidevall hits back at Gareth Taylor over ‘bullying’ claim: ‘It’s slander’ Michael O’Neill expecting a tough international window for Northern Ireland Olivier Giroud teaches Jamie Carragher how to pronounce his name in amusing exchange

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Pep Guardiola talks about the injury picked up by John Stones in Manchester City's 3-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League.

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