Man City player excluded from England squad list ahead of San Marino clash

Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has been excluded from Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad list that has been submitted to UEFA ahead of the World Cup qualifying match against San Marino tonight.

The Manchester City defender was one of four players called up to the England national team from Pep Guardiola’s side, along with Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, and for the first time since November 2019, John Stones.

However, Kyle Walker will play no part in the opening game of England’s round of international fixtures on Thursday night against San Marino.

According to the information of the PA’s Simon Peach, Walker is “fit” but will not be involved having been left off list given to UEFA, presumably with rotation or rest in mind ahead of the other upcoming fixtures.

John Stones is expected to make his full return to the side this evening, which will be just the latest of many steps taken by the Manchester City centre-back this season in getting back towards his full potential.

In addition to San Marino on Thursday night, England are also scheduled to take on Albania and Poland in their other two remaining World Cup qualifying matches during the March international break.

Pep Guardiola will be hoping all four of his English representatives return to the Etihad Stadium without issue, with a hectic and crucial April schedule looming which will see his side tackle all four competitions in under 30 days.

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