Butland breaks finger to add to England injury woes

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland was reportedly set to start England's friendly against Germany but has sustained a broken finger.

England goalkeeper Jack Butland was widely tipped to start the game against Germany, but now adds to a lengthy injury list for boss Gareth Southgate.

England's Jack Butland has withdrawn from the squad for Friday's friendly against Germany after suffering a broken finger in training.

The Stoke City goalkeeper had been widely tipped to start the game against the world champion at Wembley but now adds to a lengthy injury list for boss Gareth Southgate.

READ: England plagued by injuries ahead of Germany and Brazil games

Tottenham trio Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks, Manchester City duo Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have all withdrawn from the squad through injury since being selected, while Chelsea's Danny Drinkwater declined a call-up on fitness grounds.

Southgate has announced Eric Dier will captain the Three Lions in the absence of his Spurs colleagues.

Butland, who has returned to Stoke to be assessed by his club's medical staff, sustained a broken ankle when England faced Germany in March 2016.

That injury and multiple further complications kept the 24-year-old out of action for more than a year but he has been an ever present for Mark Hughes' side in the Premier League this season.