Derby County's Will Hughes pulls out of England U21 squad

Derby County midfielder Will Hughes has pulled out of England's Under-21 squad for the upcoming qualifying double header against San Marino and Lithuania.

Derby's official Twitter revealed that a groin injury is the reason for the withdrawal.

Hughes, 18, featured for Derby at the weekend and scored the third goal as the Rams achieved their first home win of the season with Steve McClaren in charge for the first time since succeeding Nigel Clough.

England have played two fewer games than everyone else in qualifying group 1 for the 2015 European Championship in the Czech Republic.

If they win their two matches in hand, then they will go two points clear at the top of the group.