Joe Hart and Daniel Sturridge have pulled out of England’s squad for Wednesday’s international friendly against Italy, the FA have confirmed.
The Three Lions face the side that eliminated them from Euro 2012 in Switzerland in midweek, but will be without two members of Roy Hodgson’s experimental squad and will not call up replacements.
Hart did not feature in Manchester City’s 3-2 triumph over Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday, and has withdrawn due to a back strain.
This means that either Jack Butland or John Ruddy will make their international debut against Cesare Prandelli’s men.
Sturridge has been competing for Team GB this summer in the Olympics, but has also been forced to miss the game due to a toe injury.
It is not known whether Hart and Sturridge will be fit for the new Premier League season that starts next weekend.
By Gareth McKnight
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