Chelsea pair Lampard and Bertrand ruled out of England match
Chelsea teammates Frank Lampard and Ryan Bertrand will both miss England’s World Cup qualifier with San Marino at Wembley on Friday night, the Football Association has confirmed.
Lampard, who had been set to captain the side with regular skipper Steven Gerrard suspended, has been carrying a knee injury but according to the Independent, will not be risked against one of the worst teams in the world according to the FIFA rankings. Left-back Bertrand, who was not expected to feature, has withdrawn with a sore throat and illness.
However, both will be assessed at Stamford Bridge over the weekend and England boss Roy Hodgson is hopeful that they could be available for Tuesday’s more testing trip to face Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland.
Lampard’s absence allied with Gerrard’s suspension means Hodgson will have to find a new taker for the armband for Friday’s sold-out Wembley clash. Ashley Cole is the most experienced man in the squad but his controversy with the FA in recent weeks appears to have ruled him out, and could set the platform for Wayne Rooney to lead out the side.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on England v San Marino
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