Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Sturridge, Hart,Ox out from the friendly



Joleon Lescott has been called up by manager Roy Hodgson following three departures from his squad for the only friendly before England's World Cup qualifying campaign begins away to Moldova next month.
Hart has a back problem that forced him to miss Manchester City's 3-2 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield season curtain-raiser at Villa Park on Sunday which means John Ruddy or teenager Butland will make their England bow.
Prior to this summer, Butland's only previous experience at senior level was League Two for Cheltenham last season. Then, when Ruddy was forced to pull out of England's Euro 2012 squad, Butland was elevated into the senior ranks for the first time as third-choice goalkeeper.
Although Butland did not make an appearance in Poland and Ukraine, he made a big impression on the England coaching staff and was also allowed to play for Great Britain during their Olympic campaign. Butland again did well in front of massive crowds at Old Trafford, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium.
So, with England Under-21s not in action this week, Hodgson named Butland as his third choice again for the trip to Berne.
However, with Hart ruled out due to a back injury, Hodgson has shown incredible belief in Butland by opting not to call up a replacement.
As the only other keeper in the squad is the uncapped Ruddy, someone will make their debut this week.
The question Hodgson is mulling over is whether Butland should be the man, even though the youngster himself insisted less than a fortnight ago that he was still some way off challenging Hart for his England place.
"I am still only 19 and I need to play games before I can ever think about testing Joe because he is one of the best keepers in the world at present," he told Press Association Sport.
One of Butland's Olympic team-mates, Sturridge, will not be involved either after picking up a toe injury during Chelsea's Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.
Arsenal's Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been ruled out of the Wembley friendly with an ankle injury. The winger, who turns 19 on Wednesday, reported for duty on Monday morning but, after sustaining an ankle injury in Arsenal's friendly with Cologne on Sunday, has immediately been released back to his club.

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