Int Football - Gerrard and Lampard out for England

Eurosport - Tue, 18 Nov 09:04:00 2008

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have been ruled out of England's friendly clash with Germany on Wednesday.

FOOTBALL 2008 England Frank Lampard Steven Gerrard - 0

Liverpool skipper Gerrard had been withdrawn from contention by his club after picking up a groin injury against Bolton on Saturday.

Nevertheless, England coach Fabio Capello ordered the midfielder to report for duty at the national side's Hertfordshire training base on Sunday evening.

Having since confirmed that the Liverpool medical staff's diagnosis was indeed correct, Gerrard has been allowed to return to Merseyside to recuperate.

Lampard sustained a rib injury during Chelsea's game with West Brom at the weekend and scans showed he would not be fit enough to feature at the Olympic Stadium.

An FA statement confirmed: "Both were scanned this morning and have now been sent back to their clubs for further treatment."

Capello wasted no time in finding replacements for the midfield duo with Fulham's Jimmy Bullard and West Ham's Scott Parker called into the squad.

The pair's withdrawal has left Capello with just three of his first choice team available for England's first game in the German capital since 1972.

The Italian was already without Manchester United trio Wesley Brown, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, Chelsea pair Ashley and Joe Cole, and Wigan striker Emile Heskey.

Joe Hart also pulled out of the squad after sustaining an ankle injury over the weekend, with Blackburn's Paul Robinson called up to replace the Manchester City goalkeeper.

But captain John Terry, who was doubtful with a foot complaint after the weekend, completed a full training session and is in contention to lead England out in Berlin.

Considering the game comes in the middle of a busy domestic schedule, the pull-outs have raised the inevitable club versus country question.

But midfielder Michael Carrick insisted the fixture still holds importance.

"I'm playing for England and this is the stuff of dreams," Carrick, the only Mancehster United player in the squad, said.

"Germany versus England is a massive game and I've always dreamed to be part of one day. It's not a hindrance at all. I'm here and I want to play.

"The club versus country thing always pops up but as players we don't get involved in that. We want to be part of the England team. Germany versus England in Berlin is huge and we want to be part of that."

Mike Hytner / Eurosport

Comment 23 - 42 of 62

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  1. it is remarkable the number of one-eyed judges who have an opinion about all of this. Gerrard has missed one match prior to this and yet he is accused of doing it regularly.. maybe 'bedoura' could provide a list of evidence to support his arguments. Also the stuff about players in the 70s not missing matches is irrelevant - in those days they did not do meaningless friendlies.

    From busybee, on Mon 17 Nov 11:05PM

  2. germany are well goin to win
    philip lahm is the best man on the planet he will own the ball. the entire england team are nooo match for lahm and ballack its beter lampbart takes a wee rest and doesnt bother wasting his time cause theres no chance englan will win.
    philip lahm is just too good.

    From rose h, on Mon 17 Nov 10:54PM

  3. gerrard and lampard out for england,who gives a @#$%,neither play with fire in their belly for england,but dont they just for the clubs.give others a chance to make a name for themselfs.

    From sutton271@..., on Mon 17 Nov 10:30PM

  4. I hope every English fan remembers what Slaven Bilic said before the Croatia-England game about English clubs. I really find it hard to believe that so many starting English players are out for the same occasion.

    From Andrew, on Mon 17 Nov 10:28PM

  5. if i was a footballer i would rather play for my club than my country

    From JohnKarl, on Mon 17 Nov 10:08PM

  6. Traitors prtending they are injured.Send them to the tower!Up the Villa!

    From roger h, on Mon 17 Nov 10:00PM

  7. TRAITORS PRETENDING THEY ARE INJURED!SEND THEM TO THE TOWER I SAY.UP THE VILLA.

    From roger h, on Mon 17 Nov 9:56PM

  8. I am an open-mineded single girl who love sports. I want to end my single life by meeting
    a guy who likes sports too. Let's mingle at the club ___ kISs M ill iona ireS Co m __

    From sexyhotda33, on Mon 17 Nov 9:43PM

  9. you cant blame players skipping a friendly although would be good to get another 1 over the germans why not play lower league players give them a chance,richard lambert is top goalscorer 16 in the league im sure they would jump at the chance

    From paulstransport08@..., on Mon 17 Nov 9:42PM

  10. Owen must play .....!!! He is the great striker!

    From janjalia_janjala, on Mon 17 Nov 9:15PM

  11. what a surprise both play weekend then injured then play weekend wait and see.

    From craigwise70, on Mon 17 Nov 8:48PM

  12. webisan1
    ..
    You don't half go on mate, get out a bit, find a girl, make love and all that.

    From james, on Mon 17 Nov 8:47PM

  13. funny how come friendly they go missing like that idiot at man ure who played for wales over paid

    From Gail, on Mon 17 Nov 8:44PM

  14. rc_alcock - You are indeed, a massive cok.

    From davidman, on Mon 17 Nov 8:44PM

  15. garren- beckhams not in the squad, im glad through all this capellos stuck to his principles and not included him, the same goes for owen, if you arent playing regularly you shouldnt be in the squad

    From nathan t, on Mon 17 Nov 7:52PM

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    From , on Mon 17 Nov 7:47PM

  17. Give the young guns their chance. Sprinkle in a couple of experienced lads and let us see what a new look team can do. Back in the 70's and 80's I don't seem to recall such niggling injuries stopping players turning out for their country! Ow, i can't type any more because I have sore ribs....

    From Marcus, on Mon 17 Nov 7:36PM

  18. Try the young guns with a bit of experience: James, Richards, Terry, Upson, Bridge, Barry, Carrick, Beckham, Walcott, Defoe, Bent.

    From gallen59@..., on Mon 17 Nov 7:25PM

  19. John Terry, hope you get the chance to read some of the comments printed on here, as you seem to be missing out on feinting injury.
    Hopefully you will pull up during the warm-up but be fit for Saturdays game.!!
    As you went off towards the end of the game Saturday its a shame that you have recovered enough to join Capello's squad. Must be that as usual you want to play for your Country, unlike those other Chelsea Players who must be "feinting" their injuries , and that includes both Ashley and Joe Cole who have not played for Chelsea for several weeks now through injury, just lazy gits!!

    From webisan1, on Mon 17 Nov 7:15PM

  20. Friendlies should always be about checking out the future. I dont blame any senior players who bunk off friendlies. Unless its a new managers first game or summat. At such a crucial and hectic part of the season club should always come first over friendly internationals.

    From Tom, on Mon 17 Nov 7:02PM
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