INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY: ENGLAND v DENMARK
Venue: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen Date: Wednesday, 9 February Kick-off: 1915 GMT Coverage details: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live; live text commentary and full reports on BBC Sport website & mobiles; live on ITV1

Gerrard was set to captain England in Copenhagen

Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch and Ben Foster have all been released from England's squad for Wednesday's game against Denmark because of injuries.

The Football Association also said Gabriel Agbonlahor has not joined up with the party for personal reasons.

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green and Hammers striker Carlton Cole have been drafted into the revised squad.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, who would have been captain, misses the match with a groin problem.

He suffered the injury in Liverpool's 1-0 Premier League win at Chelsea on Sunday and was ruled out by Reds manager Kenny Dalglish.

The England vice-captain will be assessed by doctors on Monday but will not be available for selection.

It means coach Fabio Capello will have to name a new skipper, with Rio Ferdinand also sidelined.

"Steven has a groin problem," said Dalglish. "He has to go so they [England] can have a look at him but we've spoken to England and he'll not be playing."

Chelsea's Frank Lampard looks certain to be named captain for the first time, while Fulham's David Stockdale could be elevated to second-choice keeper behind number one Joe Hart.

With John Terry ruled out on the grounds he had the armband taken away as a disciplinary measure by Capello 12 months ago, the only two plausible options are Lampard and Wayne Rooney.

Manchester United striker Rooney led England in the friendly loss to Brazil in Doha last season.

Hoewever, Lampard was the man who Capello nominated as his vice-captain when Ferdinand pulled out of the World Cup, so it would be a surprise if he was not handed the role from the start in what will be his 84th international match.

Gerrard's absence might also mean a change of role for Jack Wilshere, who had been earmarked by Capello for a midfield holding role.

The 19-year-old Arsenal player may now be allowed to move further forward, unless the England boss opts to deploy a more orthodox wide player on the left, having already stated his intention to pair Rooney with Darren Bent in attack.

Birmingham's Foster has a minor thumb injury and Tottenham striker Crouch a back problem, with both being released after fitness tests at England's team hotel in Watford on Sunday evening.

England squad:

Robert Green (West Ham), Joe Hart (Man City), David Stockdale (Fulham); Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Man City), John Terry (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Aston Villa); Gareth Barry (Man City), Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (West Ham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa); Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Carlton Cole (West Ham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version