MISERY ... Frank Lampard will miss England's Euro 2012 campaign
Picture: RICHARD PELHAM
Published: Today at 17:56
FRANK LAMPARD has been ruled OUT of Euro 2012.
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The England
and Chelsea midfielder has failed to recover from a thigh injury and will
miss the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Lampard, 33, picked up the problem in training yesterday and was given the bad news by medical staff following a scan earlier today.
Liverpool's Jordan Henderson will replace him in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad, subject to approval from UEFA.
Hodgson said: “It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Gareth Barry.
"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 tournament.”
It is devastating news for England, who have already had to deal with the loss of one midfielder, Manchester City’s Gareth Barry who suffered a stomach injury in Saturday’s friendly win over Norway.
The Three Lions are also without Jack Wilshere — who missed the whole of last season through injury — while doubts remain about the fitness of Tottenham's Scott Parker.
For Lampard, the news potentially spells the end of his entire England career, with Hodgson expected to offer younger midfielders a chance to prove themselves during next autumn’s World Cup qualifying programme.
Lampard, 33, picked up the problem in training yesterday and was given the bad news by medical staff following a scan earlier today.
Liverpool's Jordan Henderson will replace him in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad, subject to approval from UEFA.
Hodgson said: “It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Gareth Barry.
"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 tournament.”
It is devastating news for England, who have already had to deal with the loss of one midfielder, Manchester City’s Gareth Barry who suffered a stomach injury in Saturday’s friendly win over Norway.
The Three Lions are also without Jack Wilshere — who missed the whole of last season through injury — while doubts remain about the fitness of Tottenham's Scott Parker.
For Lampard, the news potentially spells the end of his entire England career, with Hodgson expected to offer younger midfielders a chance to prove themselves during next autumn’s World Cup qualifying programme.
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