Wednesday 20 March 2013

Gary Cahill out of England's San Marino trip and may miss Montenegro

• Chelsea man is latest defender to succumb to injury
• Newcastle's uncapped Steven Taylor called up

Gary Cahill has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier with San Marino on Friday. The Chelsea defender hurt his knee in Sunday's 2-0 home win against West Ham United and will not play in the first of the two away games. He will be reassessed ahead of Tuesday's match in Montenegro.

The uncapped Newcastle United centre-half Steven Taylor has been called up following some impressive recent performances in the Premier League.

Cahill's absence adds to Roy Hodgson's defensive woes. Spurs' Michael Dawson pulled out of contention for both matches on Sunday, to be replaced by Joleon Lescott, while Rio Ferdinand did likewise on Monday as he continues to follow an intricate fitness programme. Steven Caulker was Ferdinand's replacement.

While Hodgson's defensive formation for Friday's encounter with San Marino may not be a concern, next week's game with Montenegro in Podgorica certainly will be. Unless Cahill's knee injury eases sufficiently for him to be made available, England face the uncomfortable scenario of selecting between players who have next to no international experience – Taylor and Caulker have one cap between them – and Joleon Lescott, who is out of favour at Manchester City.

It puts into stark perspective Ferdinand's decision to snub an international recall on fitness grounds and underlines why Hodgson was so keen to have him back in the fold.

England trail Montenegro by two points in Group H, although they have a succession of home games next season meaning a draw next week would not be a disaster.

Defeat most certainly would be, though, and while it is a rather unpalatable thought there could be a chance Hodgson will consider using Michael Carrick in defence given he has occupied the role for Manchester United in past emergencies.


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