England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
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Injured Gerrard ruled out

13 Oct 2009 - 12:52:10

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Fabio Capello has confirmed that Steven Gerrard will play no part in England's World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

The 29-year-old has returned to Liverpool after failing to complete a training session on Tuesday.

The influential midfielder was able to take part in the early section of training but was then pictured walking away with head physio Gary Lewin.

Gerrard had to be substituted at half-time on Saturday with a groin problem as Capello's side slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Ukraine.

Before the setback in Dnipro, England had already qualified for next summer's World Cup finals by winning their first eight group games.

David James missed training on Tuesday but is expected to be fit enough to feature against Belarus.

Gerrard's setback is the latest blow for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt have also suffered injury scares on international duty while Javier Mascherano, Emiliano Insua and Lucas are not due to return to Merseyside until Friday, less than 24 hours before the Reds face Sunderland.

Torres picked up a foot injury during Spain's 2-1 win against Armenia on Saturday while Kuyt is struggling with the ankle problem that forced him to miss part of the Netherlands' friendly with Australia.