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Jordan Pickford departs England squad after sustaining muscular injury

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has withdrawn from England's World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.

The uncapped 23-year-old linked up with the squad on Sunday but a muscular injury sustained at the weekend in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea means he has returned to Everton.

England manager Gareth Southgate had already named three others goalkeepers in his squad -- Joe Hart, Jack Butland and Tom Heaton -- so has not named a replacement.

A Football Association statement read: "Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has left the England camp and returned to Everton.

"Having reported to St George's Park on Sunday evening, the 23-year-old underwent an assessment on a muscle injury sustained playing for his club.

"After discussions between England and Everton medics, it was decided it was in the player's best interests to return to Finch Farm for further treatment.''

Everton signed Pickford this summer from Sunderland for a £25 million fee that could rise to £30m.