Hart's misfortune paves way for Heaton's return to the England fold

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart was injured in the 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester United (Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire).

Hart and Manchester City team-mate Raheem Sterling have both withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Holland after being injured in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United.

Manager Roy Hodgson had no plans last night to add further outfield players to replace Sterling.

Heaton, the Clarets’ captain, is uncapped but has regularly featured in Hodgson’s squads over the past year.

His form for promotion-chasing Burnley in the Championship has ensured he has remained in the frame.

Hart suffered a calf injury in City’s derby loss and Sterling sustained a groin problem. Both expected to be out of action for three to four weeks.

Hodgson said: “Obviously it’s very disappointing for Joe and Raheem to suffer injuries which will rule them out of our games against Germany and Holland.

“They are important players in our squad and I wish them a speedy recovery.

“Tom has been with us on several occasions and I am welcoming him back into the fold.”

England face Germany in Berlin on Saturday before hosting Holland at Wembley next Tuesday in the next phase of their Euro 2016 preparations.

Assistant manager Gary Neville will link up with the squad later than originally planned.

Neville is enduring a tough baptism in his new full-time role as Valencia head coach and wants to stay in Spain longer before resuming international duties.

The former Manchester United and England right-back will join Hodgson’s group at their St George’s Park base on Thursday before travelling with them to Germany the following day.

England’s revised squad for the friendlies with Germany (March 26) and Holland (March 29):

Butland (Stoke), Forster (Southampton), Heaton (Burnley); Bertrand (Southampton), Cahill (Chelsea), Clyne (Liverpool), Jagielka (Everton), Rose (Tottenham), Smalling (Manchester United), Stones (Everton), Walker (Tottenham); Alli (Tottenham), Barkley (Everton), Dier (Tottenham), Drinkwater (Leicester), Henderson (Liverpool), Lallana (Liverpool), Milner (Liverpool); Kane (Tottenham), Sturridge (Liverpool), Vardy (Leicester), Walcott (Arsenal), Welbeck (Arsenal).