England have announced they have called up Everton centre-back Michael Keane to replace Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli for upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil.
Gareth Southgate named his 25-man squad for the upcoming international break last week, but has already been forced into changes due to Alli’s withdrawal.
England are also sweating on the fitness of Alli’s Tottenham teammates Harry Kane and Harry Winks, but Southgate has already addressed Alli’s absence by drafting in Keane.
The Everton defender has endured a difficult start to the campaign following his near-£30m switch from Burnley over the summer and is unlikely to start in either match for the Three Lions if Gary Cahill comes through his own fitness examination.
Keane has only missed two of Everton’s opening 11 Premier League matches but has so far failed to rediscover last season’s immense form.
In fact, only West Ham (23) have conceded more goals in the Premier League this season than Everton (22).
