Shock! Chelsea Star Snubbed England Call-Up – Manager

England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater turned down an invitation to the England squad ahead of the upcoming friendly games with Germany and Brazil.

Southgate also added that the talk of club-versus-country rows is “nonsense”.

The former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender was speaking during a chat with BBC Radio 5 live.

In his words, he said:

“The players are injured and cannot play.”

“I am not a manager who wants to reel players out until they break. I don’t take risks with players.” he added.

Speaking further, Southgate said:

“I have man-to-man discussions with them around where they are at and how much risk we want to take.

“Hearing this talk of club v country, it is a nonsense.” he concluded.

Danny Drinkwater has struggled for fitness this season since making his £35m move to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City. He has made just four appearances for the Blues.

England Squad For Germany and Brazil:

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Joe Hart (West Ham – loan from Manchester City), Jordan Pickford (Everton).

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Danny Rose (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Jake Livermore (West Brom), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace – loan from Chelsea), Ashley Young (Manchester United), Jack Cork (Burnley).

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Swansea – loan from Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Leicester).