England News

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

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
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Injury rules out Lampard

12 Nov 2009 - 14:04:08

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Midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out of England's clash with Brazil with a thigh injury picked up while training ahead of the friendly in Qatar.

Lampard will return to London for treatment on the injury in a further blow to head coach Fabio Capello, who is already without an array of leading players.

"We can confirm that Frank Lampard picked up an injury to his thigh whilst training today and will be returning home this evening," confirmed a Football Association spokesperson.

"There will be no further call-ups to the squad."

Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Lampard's Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole were all left out of the Italian's initial squad through injury.

Former captain David Beckham then pulled out of the game against the five-time world champions due to club commitments with his Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.

Lampard's absence could open the door for Michael Carrick of Manchester United to stake his claim for a place in the final World Cup squad.

Carrick and Gareth Barry of Manchester City are likely to start the match as the central midfield pairing.