England blow! Tottenham winger Alex Pritchard OUT of European Under-21 Championship

England’s Under-21s side have suffered a blow with news that Tottenham forward Alex Pritchard’s European Under-21 Championship campaign is over due to injury.

After proving a threat as a substitute in opening defeat to Portugal, the 22-year-old was handed a place in the starting line-up in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Sweden.

Pitchard impressed with another lively performance, though his night lasted only 55 minutes before suffering an ankle problem. He later left the ground in crutches.

As he waited in the verdict, Young Lions head coach Gareth Southgate admitted the Spurs starlet’s injury "didn't look very good", and it was confirmed on Monday evening that Pritchard is set to return from the Czech Republic after their final group game against Italy on Wednesday.

"Alex Pritchard has been forced to withdraw from the England Under-21 camp through injury," said a Football Association statement.

"The Tottenham Hotspur player will play no further part in the 2015 UEFA European Under 21 Championship in Czech Republic.

"Competition rules state that no replacement player can be called into a squad after a team's first match in the final tournament."

Losing the diminutive attacker is a further blow for an England side already robbed of top scorer Saido Berahino through a knee injury.

The West Brom forward was replaced in the squad by Wolves' Benik Afobe, while John Stones missed the opening two games with suspected concussion.

The Everton defender trained with his England team-mates on Monday and is set to start against Italy.