England star RULED OUT of Euro 2024 after undergoing surgery following heartbreaking international break injury

SAM JOHNSTONE has been ruled out of Euro 2024 after undergoing surgery on an injured elbow.

The Crystal Palace goalkeeper has become Gareth Southgate’s first confirmed casualty after picking up the problem in England training last weekend.

Johnstone, 31, hurt his elbow while making a save on Sunday, just 24 hours after England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley.

The Eagles stopper had been in line to start last night’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.

But Johnstone was forced to withdraw from England’s squad, with Burnley’s James Trafford summoned from the U21s as his replacement.

After returning to Palace, Johnstone went under the knife on Wednesday morning to fix his problem.

It’s reckoned the top of his forearm had become detached from his elbow.

And Johnstone will now be sidelined for up for fourth months, ruling him out for both the rest of Palace’s Premier League season and the Euros.

His absence will come as a huge blow to Southgate, who had the goalie down as No2 behind Everton’s Jordan Pickford.

England now face a shortage of goalies for the tournament, with Newcastle’s Nick Pope also a long-term casualty.

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Aaron Ramsdale had previously been back-up to Pickford.

But he has made just six league appearances this term and has dropped down the rankings.

Burnley ace Trafford could now be ready to gate-crash Southgate’s squad.

While Jack Butland has enjoyed a strong season for Scottish side Rangers.

And Dean Henderson will also get a chance to impress, with the ex-Man United man set to replace Johnstone between the sticks at Palace.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk