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Southampton back-up goalkeeper Alex McCarthy called into England squad

England have called up uncapped goalkeeper Alex McCarthy in place of his injured Southampton team-mate Fraser Forster ahead of Sunday's World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.

Forster had been expected to challenge Joe Hart for the No 1 jersey following the latter's exile at Manchester City this season, but he has been sent home with an arm injury.

Hart, who left the camp to complete a season-long loan deal with Serie A side Torino this week, will now be firm favourite to retain the gloves for Sam Allardyce's first match as Three Lions boss.

Southampton back-up goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has been called into the England squad
Southampton back-up goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has been called into the England squad
McCarthy replaces Fraser Forster ahead of the World Cup qualifying clash with Slovakia
McCarthy replaces Fraser Forster ahead of the World Cup qualifying clash with Slovakia
Forster has sustained an arm injury which has ruled him out of Sunday's encounter
Forster has sustained an arm injury which has ruled him out of Sunday's encounter

Burnley's Tom Heaton was the third goalkeeper in his original squad, and has a single brief substitute appearance to his name, while 26-year-old McCarthy is on board as cover.