England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

England suffer double blow

29 May 2007 - 14:26:55

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England duo Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson have been forced to pull out of the squad for Friday's friendly international against Brazil and next week's Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia because of groin injuries.

Former West Ham United and Leeds defender Ferdinand had problems with the injury towards the end of the Premiership season and it has flared up again.

A scan has shown that the damage to Ferdinand's groin is enough to rule him out of both matches.

Jamie Carragher is the favourite to replace him at Wembley and in Tallinn.

The Liverpool stalwart is expected to partner John Terry at the heart of England's defence against Brazil and may keep his place for the Estonia game as Jonathan Woodgate is scheduled to have cartilage surgery this summer.

Dawson impressed during England B's 3-1 win over Albania last Friday but also has a groin problem.

His Tottenham colleague Ledley King also played in that victory and could feature in Steve McClaren's plans for the last two games of the season.