John Ashdown 

England Under-21s’ Alex Pritchard to miss remainder of Euros

The midfielder Alex Pritchard will not play any further part in the European Championship after sustaining an ankle injury
  
  

Alex Pritchard
Alex Pritchard, in action against Sweden, will not play any further part for Gareth Southgate's Under-21s in Czech Republic. Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA

England suffered their third injury setback of the European Under-21 Championship when Alex Pritchard was ruled out by an ankle injury.

The Tottenham midfielder was withdrawn during the 1-0 win over Sweden on Sunday and scans have revealed significant damage.

England had already lost Saido Berahino to a knee injury in training before the team’s opening game against Portugal and suspected concussion cost the services of John Stones for that game and the Sweden match. Stones is fit to return in the make-or-break final group game with Italy on Wednesday.

Pritchard, who spent last season on loan at Brentford, had impressed during a substitute appearance against Portugal and when promoted to the starting XI for the win over Sweden, although his replacement against the Swedes, Jesse Lingard, scored the only goal of the game.

Wolves’ Benik Afobe was called up to replace Berahino but no one can be called into the squad to replace Pritchard because competition rules prevent additions after the first match.

 

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