England have been given a boost before their World Cup qualifiers after Jude Bellingham received permission from the German government to report for international duty this week.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was a major doubt to face San Marino, Albania and Poland because of Covid-19 regulations that would have forced him to quarantine for 14 days after returning to Germany. Although Gareth Southgate named Bellingham in his squad last Thursday, England’s manager said it was unlikely Dortmund would allow the 17-year-old to travel.
However, the situation has changed after Bellingham, who has impressed since joining Dortmund from Birmingham last year, received an exemption. The teenager’s involvement will increase Southgate’s options in midfield, with Jordan Henderson unavailable because of a groin injury.
England have a potential headache in attack after Marcus Rashford missed Manchester United’s FA Cup tie at Leicester on Sunday because of a foot injury. Ole Gunnar Solskjær, United’s manager, said: “The doctor will speak to the English [Football Association] but I think he’ll travel and report [for international duty]. Maybe he’ll be fit for them.”
Poland, who face England on 31 March, have also benefited from the German government’s stance. They had feared being without their star striker, Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, but he has received the necessary exemption, which strengthened England’s case when it came to Bellingham.