Are English players turning their backs on the National team?

Most players strive to one day receive an international call-up and pull on the shirt of their Nation, but recent events could seem to indicate that English players prefer to prioritize club football.

In the days leading up to this and next week’s international games, several key players have pulled out of the Three Lions squad due to injury concerns.

Tottenham players Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Harry Winks all went off during the club's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last Sunday.

The injuries meant that all three would miss England’s friendlies versus Germany and Brazil, but be back in contention for the North London derby against Arsenal.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate believes that all those that have pulled out from the squad have legitimate reasons, and as a former player himself says he “would never wheel players out until they break."

“When it comes to checking a player’s fitness they will undergo full tests monitored by their club and our medical team.”

“I will also speak to them personally to check how they are feeling and judge whether or not they are fit enough to play.”

This XI of unavailable players (red) is argueably a better side than the one that drew against Germany last Friday (blue):

The situation could be another warning sign for FIFA, as officials try to figure out how to revitalize the international game outside of big tournaments, with the number of viewers dropping rapidly.

However, these injuries could also be a blessing in disguise for some, as they allow the National side time to experiment and introduce debutants.

Tammy Abraham, as well as fellow Chelsea man Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Liverpool defender Joe Gomez all pulled on the England shirt for the first time this weekend.

These friendly games could yet prove vital in shaping the National side’s options before the final squad is announced in 8 months’ time.

And if players like Abraham step up and make the most of the opportunities they’ve been gifted, expected first teamers like Sturridge could see themselves left off the plane to Russia this summer.