The Three Lions Euro 2012 hopes have suffered another blow after Frank Lampard was ruled out with a thigh injury.
England’s Manager Roy Hodgson has been informed the tear Lampard sustained would not heal in time for the Chelsea midfielder to feature in any of England’s three group games, the last of which is against co-hosts Ukraine in Donetsk on April 19.
It left Hodgson with little option other than to tell Lampard he was out.
Subject to UEFA clearance, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson will replace the 33-year-old.
“It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Gareth Barry,” said Hodgson.
With Gareth Barry also ruled out after suffering a stomach strain in Saturday’s friendly win over Norway in Oslo, Hodgson has now lost 143 caps from his central midfield resources.
“The fact that the doctor cannot guarantee Frank could take part in any of the group matches means we have to replace him in the central midfield area.
“Apart from it being a huge blow to me and the team, I’m especially disappointed for Frank himself.
“He has been in very good form and was looking forward to the tournament.
“He made a huge contribution towards us qualifying for the Euros so it is cruel to be forced out through injury just before the tournamen
The news puts more weight onto the shoulders of skipper Steven Gerrard, especially as Scott Parker, who will surely partner the Liverpool man in central midfield, only made his comeback from an Achilles injury at the weekend.
Other than Henderson, Hodgson’s only other options are Phil Jones – who occupied a central midfield berth in England’s momentous win over Spain at Wembley in November – and Manchester City’s James Milner, who tends to occupy wider positions.
Considering star striker Wayne Rooney is suspended for England’s opening two games, against France and Sweden, they now face a tough task just to retain a chance of qualification going into the Ukraine game, when so much will be demanded of the Manchester United forward.
Long-term, the news could have severe consequences for Lampard’s entire international career.
He will be 36 by the time the next World Cup reaches its conclusion and with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Jack Rodwell and Tom Cleverley all keen to pursue their international careers, Lampard’s place in the squad to face Moldova and Ukraine next September in the first round of qualifiers cannot be taken for granted.