Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester City defender Micah Richards pulls out of England U21 squad for crucial Euro qualifiers
Micah Richards is the latest key player to pull out of the England Under-21 squad for their crucial final two European Championship qualifiers.[LNB]Manchester City defender Richards, 22, had reported sick after his club's Premier League defeat at Sunderland last weekend.[LNB]He was given extra time to recover but failed to do so in time to make the flight to Portugal for Friday's penultimate Group 9 clash.[LNB] Pulling out: Micah Richards in action for Manchester City at Sunderland last Sunday[LNB]Richards' withdrawal follows those of Jack Rodwell, Andy Carroll, Victor Moses, Henri Lansbury and Alex Smithies.[LNB]Midfield star Rodwell and forwards Carroll and Moses all pulled out with ankle injuries, while Lansbury had a groin problem and Smithies a dead leg.[LNB]The call-offs were bad news for England Under-21s, who need to win both Friday's match, and next Tuesday's game against Lithuania - and hope Greece do not win in Macedonia on Saturday - to guarantee a place in next summer's finals.[LNB]Smithies was replaced in the squad by Middlesbrough's Jason Steele for the Portugal game but could yet rejoin the party for next week's match in Colchester.[LNB] Injured Newcastle striker Carroll withdraws from England U21 squad Wilshere snubbed by Capello as Arsenal ace is dropped to Under 21s[LNB] [LNB]
