Football
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England lose Chris Smalling to injury, call up Ben Gibson as replacement

Chris Smalling has been forced to withdraw from the England squad through injury, leading Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson to receive his first call-up.

Gareth Southgate was already facing a defensive headache for Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania as Gary Cahill, his captain in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat in Germany, is suspended and Phil Jones withdrew through injury on the eve of the friendly loss.

Manchester United defender Jones sustained a toe injury in what appeared to be a training ground duel with club teammate Smalling, who on Friday left the squad with fitness problems of his own.

Smalling has returned to Manchester for treatment on the unspecified issue, with Southgate turning to uncapped Middlesbrough defender Gibson.

The 24-year-old was a regular for the England under-21s during Southgate's reign and has been linked with a number of clubs, having impressed during Boro's Premier League campaign.

Southgate had not been planning to call up any reinforcements for Sunday despite the absence of Cahill and Jones, but Smalling's setback has forced his hand.

"We'll just assess over the next 24 hours if we have picked up any other knocks,'' the England boss said after the Germany defeat. "I am not aware of anything significant at the moment so if that is the case we wouldn't.''

England trained in Hertfordshire on Friday and Gibson will take part in Saturday's session at Tottenham's training base, where Southgate will speak to the media.

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