Soccer News
Gerrard withdrawal leaves Capello mulling midfield line-up
Aug 11, 2009, 13:20 GMT
London - England coach Fabio Capello will have to reshuffle his midfield after Steven Gerrard pulled out of the squad for Wednesday's friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam because of injury.
Gerrard went back to Liverpool to nurse a groin strain, though Capello has yet to name any replacement.
The withdrawal of Gerrard is a set-back for Capello, who had wanted to play his strongest available starting XI.
In his absence, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard are likely to fill the two central midfield slots, with the left side perhaps taken by Stewart Downing, while Theo Walcott and David Beckham battle for the starting berth on the right.
Gerrard's withdrawal came a day after the announcement that Ben Foster would also be pulling out of the squad.
The Manchester United goalkeeper picked up an injury during his side's FA Community Shield defeat by Chelsea on Sunday and was replaced by Manchester City's Joe Hart, who is on loan to Birmingham City.
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