England News

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

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Injured Richards ruled out

19 Apr 2007 - 09:36:22

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Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has ruled Micah Richards out of England's vital Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia in June.

The teenage defender has been sidelined since damaging his ankle while on England duty during last month's win over Andorra.

Richards also requires surgery to cure a long-running calf problem and Pearce claims the promising defender will not be available for the trip to Tallinn on June 6.

"We will decide in the next day or so, when his ankle has settled down, when Micah is likely to play again," revealed the City chief.

"If it is not going to be until the last week of the season, and we have a fully fit defence, it is quite possible we will bring the operation forward.

"Either way, he will not be playing for England this summer.

"On this occasion, the club has to take priority."

Richards - who made his international debut against the Netherlands last November - has played 36 times for the Citizens this season.

The City academy graduate is also the youngest ever defender to represent England.