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Gareth Southgate rules out Chelsea and Man Utd stars for England’s World Cup qualifier vs San Marino

England manager Gareth Southgate has ruled out Luke Shaw and Mason Mount ahead of the World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Monday.

Shaw suffered a knock to his head while playing for Manchester United last weekend. He has since been unavailable due to concussion protocols.

Meanwhile, Mason Mount has been short of fitness after missing a few matches for Chelsea. He had his wisdom tooth removed due to a flu-like infection.

Both players were absent for the recent meeting against Albania, and Southgate has acknowledged that they are highly unlikely to face San Marino.

He told reporters on Friday: “Luke and Mason are very unlikely to join us. It looks like we will run out of time with those two. But I will make changes definitely.”

The Three Lions have virtually booked their spot in next year’s World Cup following the 5-0 win over Albania last night.

With one game left, they are three points ahead of second-placed Poland in Group I. The Three Lions have a significant six-goal advantage in goal difference.

They are expected to register an easy win at San Marino next week, and there could be wholesale changes from the victory at Wembley Stadium yesterday.


Emile Smith Rowe was handed his maiden cap off the bench against Albania. The Arsenal playmaker is likely to make the starting line-up at the San Marino Stadium.

Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish could also feature in attack, with Southgate expected to revert to a four-man backline.

Aaron Ramsdale is the only player in the current squad yet to make his Three Lions debut. The Gunners ace could get the nod over Sam Johnstone between the sticks.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.

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