Liverpool defender called up after England suffer another injury

• Jarell Quansah named in England squad after Jarrad Branthwaite withdraws with injury
• Everton defender becomes ninth player to drop out from Three Lions contention
• Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold among missing players

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah has been called up to England’s senior squad after Jarrad Branthwaite had to return to Everton due to injury.

Lee Carsley was hit by eight withdrawals after naming his preliminary roster as he began his final stint in charge as interim head coach before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, who will start work at the beginning of January.

Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill and Aaron Ramsdale all dropped out due to fitness complaints, with Morgan Rogers, Jarrod Bowen, Tino Livramento, Branthwaite and James Trafford brought in as replacements.

However, Carsley has now confirmed Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is not ready to play in either of England’s Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

Speaking in his press conference, the former Toffees midfielder revealed: “We have tried to give Jarrad as long we can but he is probably going to miss out so Jarell will join the travelling party and take part in the rest of the camp. I think it’s really important that Jarrad hasn’t trained.

“He’s been treated for the last two or three days and it’s an issue that Everton will now take over when he goes back. We will never gamble with a player’s fitness.

“It’s so important that they are fit and healthy and playing week in week out because that will help us in the future picking as strong a squad as we can.”

“It’s a great opportunity for Jarell.”

Injuries mean there are a number of uncapped defenders at Carsley’s disposal this month. Alongside Quansah, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento could all make their debuts during the international break, while Trafford, Curtis Jones and Rogers will also hope for their first appearances for the Three Lions.

Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Jordan Pickford are the most experienced players included in the squad with 101, 91 and 71 national team fixtures under their belts respectively.