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Fabian Delph a doubt for England's World Cup qualifiers as St George's Park pitch is named after Sir Bobby Charlton to mark his 80th birthday

Fabian Delph missed England training on Monday and appears to now be a major doubt for the World Cup double-header against Slovenia and Lithuania.

The Manchester City midfielder earned a surprise call-up last week, with Gareth Southgate selecting him in his squad for the first time since becoming England manager last year.

But Southgate did suggest last Thursday that injuries to 12 players had forced him to select players ‘who haven't necessarily warranted it on their performances’.

England unveiled the 'Sir Bobby Charlton Pitch' at their training centre at St George's Park
England unveiled the 'Sir Bobby Charlton Pitch' at their training centre at St George's Park
The 1966 World Cup winner attends the ceremony on Monday alongside the current squad
The 1966 World Cup winner attends the ceremony on Monday alongside the current squad
Harry Kane shakes the hand of Charlton, who celebrates his 80th birthday later this month
Harry Kane shakes the hand of Charlton, who celebrates his 80th birthday later this month

Delph was thought to be among those he could have been referring to given that he had not started a single Premier League game for City this season.