LONDON: Arsenal forward Emile Smith Rowe has been called up to the England squad for the first time for the World Cup qualifiers with Albania and San Marino.

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw – along with Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse – have pulled out of international duty.

Southampton’s Ward-Prowse is ill while Rashford will focus on his fitness after returning from a shoulder injury. The arrival of Chelsea’s Mount has been delayed by dental surgery.

Defender Shaw is following concussion protocol after being replaced during last Saturday’s Manchester derby.
England Under-21 international Smith Rowe, 21, has impressed for Arsenal this season and has scored in his past three Premier League games.

It is the first time he has been called up to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.

England need four points from their concluding qualifying ties with Albania at Wembley on Friday then away to San Marino next Monday.

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