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Declan Rice OUT of England's squad due to illness in another midfield blow to manager Gareth Southgate ahead of World Cup qualifiers vs Albania and San Marino... with Jack Grealish also doubtful after complaining of a bug

England have suffered another blow after Declan Rice withdrew from the squad to face Albania, while there is concern over Jack Grealish's availability for the World Cup qualifier.

Gareth Southgate will be without two-thirds of his first-choice midfield following Rice backing out on Wednesday because of illness. England will also be without Mason Mount for Friday's clash as he recovers from dental surgery.

Rice and Mount had been sure to start the game against Albania, when victory for England would all but guarantee their place at next year's World Cup. But the pair's withdrawal leaves Southgate facing a selection problem in central midfield at Wembley.