Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have both been forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of Wednesday’s friendly with Germany.
Liverpool stated on Sunday that Gerrard would be unavailable after picking up a groin injury at Bolton, but coach Fabio Capello insisted that the player travel 200 miles to the Hertfordshire training headquarters to be examined by England’s medical staff.
Gerrard has now had to officially pull out following a check by the Football Association’s medical team. Fellow midfielder Frank Lampard will also miss out after scans on a rib injury he picked up in Chelsea’s game at West Brom on Saturday revealed he would not be fit enough to be involved against Germany.
Scott Parker of West Ham and Fulham’s Jimmy Bullard have been called up to replace the midfield duo.
The likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole are also absent through injury, but better news for Capello came with confirmation that captain John Terry has been declared fit following a foot problem. His inclusion means Capello can now call upon at least three of his first-choice line-up – alongside Walcott and David James – for the team’s first visit to the German capital since 1972
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