FRASER Forster has pulled out of the England team after picking up a "slight" injury.

Saints goalkeeper Forster had been called up alongside club team-mate Ryan Bertrand for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland and friendly against Spain.

But, as a precaution, Forster has returned to St Mary's to start recovery from a minor injury.

Saints stated on their official website: "Forster will now return to his club to undergo treatment during the international break.

"He is replaced in the squad by Sunderland's Jordan Pickford. England face Scotland at Wembley on Friday night, before hosting Spain the following Tuesday."

Forster joins fellow St Mary's goalkeeper Alex McCarthy back at Staplewood as he too recovers from a period on the sidelines.

McCarthy picked up a hamstring problem in the EFL Cup fourth round win against Sunderland and was expected to be out "for several weeks".

It means that Claude Puel will now be sweating on at least one of his shot stoppers being ready for their Premier League match at home to table-toppers Liverpool a week Saturday.

Saints have third choice Stuart Taylor, who last played a league match in May 2015, and potentially youngster Harry Lewis if Forster and McCarthy remain out.