The Chelsea defender was named in Gareth Southgate’s initial squad but having been sidelined for the Blues against Lille and Middlesbrough, the decision has been taken to withdraw him from the group.

Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Crystal Palace, are the Chelsea representatives in the Three Lions’ squad now James has been removed, while former Academy graduates Marc Guehi and Tammy Abraham are also selected, although the latter has since pulled out.

England take on Switzerland on Saturday, March 26 at Wembley before hosting Ivory Coast at the same venue three days later.