Hargreaves and Lampard ruled out

Monday, 10 September 2007

England v Russia
Wembley Stadium
Wednesday, 12 September
Kick-off: 2000 BST

England midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard have both been ruled out of the Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia because of injury.

The pair have thigh injuries that led to them also missing Saturday's 3-0 win over Israel at Wembley.

More encouragingly, midfielder Steven Gerrard is fit to play.

Gerrard played against Israel without having a painkilling injection in his fractured toe but suffered from cramp and was substituted after 71 minutes.

The Liverpool midfielder told BBC Sport: "I'm fit for selection on Wednesday and the toe is feeling good."

Manchester United midfielder Hargreaves has returned to Old Trafford, while Lampard has gone back to Chelsea.

The absence of Hargreaves and Lampard is likely to mean that Gareth Barry keeps his place in the England side after an impressive display against Israel.

Peter Crouch is available again after his ban and competes with Emile Heskey to partner Michael Owen up front.

In the absence of the injured David Beckham, Shaun Wright-Phillips is likely to continue on the right flank at Wembley after his man-of-the-match display there on Saturday.

And former England captain Alan Mullery feels another impressive Wright-Phillips performance against Russia should be enough for him to keep his place - even when Beckham is fit.

Asked if he thought the diminutive winger should be first choice, Mullery told Radio 5live's Sportsweek: "If he plays like that on Wednesday, then definitely.

"He gives you something different and has also looked extremely sharp playing for Chelsea this season.

"David has been a great distributor of the ball, great from dead ball situations and with his passing ability.

"But what you have got with this boy is a lad who can take people on and beat them with his pace.

"David has never been blessed with pace, nor was I - I did a job.

"David has done his job extremely well over the years, but now you have a new era of player.

"At international level, you have got to have players who can beat people."