London, Sep 3 (IANS): West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster has pulled out of the England football squad for a friendly and a 2016 Euro qualifying match due to a thumb injury, the Football Association (FA) announced Wednesday.

"England goalkeeper Ben Foster picked up a knock in training on Tuesday and has returned to his club for treatment as a precautionary measure," said a statement from the FA, reports Xinhua.

Foster will miss England's friendly at home to Norway later Wednesday and their opening 2016 European Championship qualifier away to Switzerland Monday.

Hodgson announced Tuesday that Manchester City's Joe Hart will start in goal against Norway. New Southampton signing Fraser Forster is the other goalkeeper in the squad.

"West Bromwich Albion will provide further guidance on Ben Foster. At this time, England manager Roy Hodgson will not call up any replacements," added the statement.

West Brom said their medical team were assessing the extent of Foster's injury.