Gareth Southgate: 'Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling recovery is club matter'

Interim England manager Gareth Southgate has refused to comment on Jose Mourinho's apparent criticism of Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling.

Smalling has missed Manchester United's last four games with a foot injury, while Shaw spent the vast majority of last season on the sidelines with a broken leg and has suffered discomfort at times this season.

Mourinho seemingly questioned the bravery of the pair following his side's 3-1 win over Swansea City on Sunday, but Southgate - who left both players out of his squad to face Scotland and Spain - believes that each case should be treated individually.

"Chris hasn't played for quite a while and Luke has played but we've known he's had ongoing difficulties coming back from a very serious injury," he told reporters.

"Our medical teams - as with all the clubs - have been liaising very closely throughout the week [with United]. The decision with Luke was a bit later but we've been aware both have been carrying injuries. In terms of what Jose said that's a club matter, it's not for me to comment on in terms of players playing with injuries.

"There's always a line for a player. I think players want to play, generally. In individual situations you need more information to be able to comment. It totally depends on what the injury is - what part of the body, what are the ramifications... it's a very individual thing."

England's upcoming matches are due to be Southgate's last two in interim charge of the team.