Phil Jones injury fears allayed after Manchester United defender limps off during England draw with Germany

England defender Phil Jones remains in contention to face Brazil despite the Manchester United centre-back limped off in the draw with Germany.

Jones, who had heavy strapping on his left-leg, was replaced after 25 minutes of the 0-0 draw at Wembley by debutant Joe Gomez.

The incident raised fears Jones could become the eighth player to withdraw from the squad but instead the United player could yet face the five-time World Cup winners next Tuesday [14 November].

"Phil was carrying something," confirmed Southgate. "He seems fine. We've checked him out. It is something he has been carrying but doesn't seem to be any worse so I think he'll be fine. We'll see whether Phil stays with us."

Seven players have already been forced to pull out of Southgate's squad, but Jones will be assessed further before any decision is taken.

The news will be greeted with relief by United manager Jose Mourinho, who is certain to have been concerned by the treatment of Jones given his chequered fitness history.

United already have four players out injured including Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Michael Carrick and Marcos Rojo. Their season resumes against Newcastle United after the international break on 18 November.

In the absence of the likes of Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson and Harry Winks, Ruben Loftus-Cheek made his first England appearance and impressed in what was an otherwise dour game.

Loftus-Cheek, on loan at Crystal Palace for the season from Chelsea, is now in contention for a World Cup place according to Southgate who is feeling much better over his midfield options.

"He's a player I've watch do that since Under-16 level," the England boss said of the 21-year-old. "The way he plays he's not hugely confident but tonight ti took him 10 minutes to look around and say 'I can do this'. He has got so many good attributes, top attributes and that is why we put him in the team.

"We believe in him and I am not surprise with what they have done. They have shoed that at young ages, in training this week. It has seemed like there have been loads of pulls out and it has been a bit messy but actually it has been really tight."

Manchester City goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who is on loan at Championship side Norwich City, will join up with the squad as cover for Jack Butland who withdrew this week after breaking his finger.

Southgate has confirmed that other members of the Under-21 squad which beat Ukraine in European Championship qualifying will be called up in the coming days. Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray are expected to be among those considered.

"We'll just assess what is required," added Southgate. "But I think it will be a good experience for a couple of the Under-21s to come with us anyway. To have a couple of days with the senior team and for them tone involved in the game against Brazil will be a brilliant experience for them. I think it is a bit of a no brainer. I'll find out who played well [against Ukraine] and who warrants the decision and we'll go from there."