Birmingham City's squad has been dealt another significant injury blow, with first-choice goalkeeper James Beadle forced to return early from international duty.
Goalkeeper Forced to Withdraw from England U21s
James Beadle has been compelled to withdraw from the England under-21 squad after picking up an injury while on international duty. The young goalkeeper was scheduled to feature for the Young Lions in their 2027 UEFA U21 EURO qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Friday night.
The Football Association confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that Beadle and Leicester City's Ben Nelson had both withdrawn through injury. They have been replaced by Manchester United's Elyh Harrison, on loan at Shrewsbury Town, and Strasbourg's Sam Amo-Ameyaw, who have received their maiden call-ups to the U21 squad.
Beadle's Growing Importance to Blues
This setback is particularly frustrating for Birmingham, as the 21-year-old loanee from Brighton & Hove Albion had firmly established himself as the team's number one. After initially waiting for his opportunity, Beadle has started the last seven consecutive Championship matches, replacing Ryan Allsop between the posts.
His performances have been impressive, contributing significantly to the team's recent improved form. Beadle kept clean sheets in victories over Preston North End, Portsmouth, and Millwall, helping Birmingham climb to 11th position in the Championship table during the season's third international break.
Compounding an Existing Injury Crisis
Beadle's injury exacerbates an already challenging situation for the club. In their last match before the break, a fixture against Middlesbrough, midfielder Paik Seung-ho suffered a shoulder injury, adding to the growing list of unavailable players.
The treatment room at St Andrew's is already occupied by Ethan Laird, Scott Wright, and Lee Buchanan. There is a small positive, however, as Iceland international Willum Willumsson has recently stepped up his recovery after being sidelined for two months.
This latest development presents a fresh selection headache for the management and tests the squad's depth as they look to maintain their momentum in the fiercely competitive Championship.
