Alex McCarthy was not included in England’s training session this morning, with reports suggesting the goalkeeper has been left out as a precautionary measure.
Despite rumours McCarthy was struggling with a hamstring issue prior to Southampton’s game with Chelsea, but seemed to be unhindered in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat.
It’s possible his exclusion from Tuesday morning’s drills is entirely precautionary, but Saints fans may well be sending up a prayer for their star shot-stopper.
One win in eight has cast a grey cloud over Southampton’s start to the season, but manager Mark Hughes can be confident in McCarthy’s ability between the sticks.
With two clean sheets in those eight games, England boss Gareth Southgate was impressed enough to hand the goalkeeper another England call-up.
The situation behind McCarthy is not that panic-inducing, however. Angus Gunn remains a solid gloveman, and out-of-favour former number one Fraser Forster is one of the more capable third choice GKs in the league.
