Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold has become the fifth injury withdrawal from Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

The Three Lions kick off their Euro 2020 qualification campaign at home to the Czech Republic on Friday, before heading to Montenegro for their second Group A match on Monday.

Southgate initially named a 25-strong squad for the match, but injuries have taken their toll, and Alexander-Arnold has become the latest to drop out.

Press Association Sport understands that the 20-year-old has had a back issue since Liverpool hosted Burnley 10 days ago and reported to St George’s Park in the hope of recovering in time to represent England.

However, the fullback has not managed to overcome the issue, and on Wednesday pulled out of the group that is now down to 22 names.

A statement from the Football Association read: ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold has withdrawn from the England squad and returned to Liverpool.

‘The right back arrived nursing a back injury, and despite progress in recent days it was unlikely he would be able to play a role in the forthcoming Uefa Euro 2020 qualifiers.

‘The 20-year-old will now continue his rehabilitation at his club, leaving Gareth Southgate with a 22-man squad.’

Fabian Delph, John Stones, Luke Shaw and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have already pulled out, while Marcus Rashford is reportedly nursing an ankle complaint.

Highly rated Chelsea teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi has been brought in despite not yet having made a league start, with Southgate also turning to in-form Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.