MICHAEL Keane's chances of making his England debut in tomorrow's friendly with Germany have increased with the withdrawal of Manchester United defender Phil Jones.
The 25-year-old picked up an injury in training at St George's Park ahead of the trip to Germany. He had been hoping to make his first international appearance since November 2015 after an injury-disrupted period at Manchester United.
That leaves Keane alongside Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling and John Stones as central defenders in Southgate's squad, although Chelsea man Cahill is suspended for Sunday's World Cup qualifier with Lithuania at Wembley.
With his absence on Sunday Keane could be given a debut in Dortmund tomorrow in case he is required off the bench at Wembley.
A Football Association statement read: "Phil Jones has been released from the England squad after picking up an injury in training ahead of this evening's trip to Germany.
"The Manchester United defender has returned to his club and will not be part of the group that flies to Dortmund this evening.
"There are no immediate plans to call up a replacement but, with Gary Cahill suspended for Sunday's game against Lithuania, Gareth Southgate will assess his options following tomorrow's match."
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