Jack Grealish called up to England squad for Nations League clashes

Jack Grealish has been handed his first England call-up as the FA confirmed Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks have withdrawn from the squad to face Iceland and Denmark.

Grealish was a surprise omission from the original squad following his brilliant form for Aston Villa last season.

But Rashford’s withdrawal has opened the door to the Villa skipper to meet up with the senior set-up for the first time.

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has been called up to the England squad for the first time

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has withdrawn from Gareth Southgate’s side

The FA confirmed Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has also pulled out of Three Lions side

Rashford was expected to pull out with an ankle injury, a problem he has been carrying since the end of last season.

Tottenham midfielder Winks was forced to pull out of the squad on Monday. The FA have not confirmed the reason why.

The withdrawals have arrived amid a worrying Covid-19 outbreak within the Premier League since the end of last season.

Sportsmail knows of at least four players who have tested positive recently – developments the FA have been fully aware.

Manager Gareth Southgate was fearing the worst but two drop-outs was the best scenario he could have hoped for given the rise in cases among top-flight footballers.

Southgate is preparing England for UEFA Nations League clashes against Iceland and Denmark