Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite has pulled out of the England Under-21 squad.

The defender has withdrawn after suffering an injury with PSV Eindhoven.

It means the Wigton star will be unable to win his first Under-21 cap in either of the forthcoming friendlies against France or Croatia.

Branthwaite, 20, had been handed his first Under-21 call-up by boss Lee Carsley last week.

It followed the ex-Carlisle united player's impressive performances for PSV, where he is on loan from Everton.

But Branthwaite, already capped at Under-20 level. must now wait to make his mark at Under-21 level.

The defender's fellow Cumbrian, goalkeeper James Trafford, remains in the squad and could feature in the games on Saturday and next Tuesday.

A statement by England said: "Nathan Wood has been added to the England MU21s squad following Jarrad Branthwaite’s withdrawal.

"The Swansea City defender has represented multiple England development teams and will now join Lee Carsley’s squad for the first time as they continue preparation for this summer’s UEFA European U21 Championship with fixtures against France and Croatia.

"Branthwaite will remain with PSV Eindhoven after picking up an injury during his club’s draw with Vitesse at the weekend.

"Folarin Balogun will also miss the forthcoming matches after reporting an injury following Stade de Reim’s defeat to Marseille on Sunday."

The Under-21 friendlies come ahead of this summer's European Under-21 Championships.