HEADACHE ... England boss Roy Hodgson has seen his midfield decimated
Last Updated:
01st
June 2012
ROY HODGSON’S Euro 2012 plans are in tatters.
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Frank Lampard was ruled out last night and injury concerns mounted over fellow
midfielder Scott Parker.
Lampard was said to be distraught after scans showed the thigh injury he picked up in training would not heal before England’s opener against France on June 11.
The blow comes just three days after Gareth Barry withdrew with a stomach muscle problem, while doubts are also growing over key midfielder Parker.
The Spurs star has not played a full game since April 7 and featured for only one minute of Spurs’ last four matches of the season.
And there are concerns in the England camp that Parker, who needed an injection in an Achilles injury, is not playing at his peak.
He did manage an hour in Norway last Saturday but he was short of his best and lacked mobility.
Parker will start against Belgium at Wembley tomorrow but England’s backroom team know they are in a battle to get him in top shape to face France.
Lampard’s exclusion means he will be available for selection for the Team GB Olympic squad later this summer.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, 21, will take Lampard’s place once the formalities of changing the squad are sorted out with UEFA.
The FA have to prove that Lampard’s injury was a new one, of which they were unaware before they named their 23.
Hodgson had been preparing himself for the worst since Lampard, 33, collapsed in training on Wednesday.
The England boss said: “It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Barry.
“The fact 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.
“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 it starts.”
Lampard was said to be distraught after scans showed the thigh injury he picked up in training would not heal before England’s opener against France on June 11.
The blow comes just three days after Gareth Barry withdrew with a stomach muscle problem, while doubts are also growing over key midfielder Parker.
The Spurs star has not played a full game since April 7 and featured for only one minute of Spurs’ last four matches of the season.
And there are concerns in the England camp that Parker, who needed an injection in an Achilles injury, is not playing at his peak.
He did manage an hour in Norway last Saturday but he was short of his best and lacked mobility.
Parker will start against Belgium at Wembley tomorrow but England’s backroom team know they are in a battle to get him in top shape to face France.
Lampard’s exclusion means he will be available for selection for the Team GB Olympic squad later this summer.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, 21, will take Lampard’s place once the formalities of changing the squad are sorted out with UEFA.
The FA have to prove that Lampard’s injury was a new one, of which they were unaware before they named their 23.
Hodgson had been preparing himself for the worst since Lampard, 33, collapsed in training on Wednesday.
The England boss said: “It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Barry.
“The fact 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.
“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 it starts.”
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