Ferdinand out of Qualifier

June 3, 2009

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has had withdraw from the England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday with Boltons Gary Cahill being called up as his replacement.

Phil Jagielka would most likelyhave replaced Ferdinand in the squad but his injury has ruled him out too. Loleon Lescott, Matthew Upson and Cahill are all the potential central defence partners for John Terry.

“I’ve had a good season and I’ve worked really hard,” said Cahill.

“I’ve been in the provisional squad twice before and then this third time I was included once again, so I’m obviously delighted to get the call.”

England are already without Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who withdrew because of a foot injury.

Carrick’s place in the squad has gone to Aston Villa winger James Milner, with the 23-year-old being promoted from the England Under-21 squad.

David James and Ben Foster have both been ruled out through injury which has resulted in a recall for Paul Robinson who has been in excellent form this season.

Manchester United’s veteran defender Gary Neville was a surprise inclusion in the squad, while Tottenham’s Jermain Defoe also came back into the fold after injury.

Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who was thought to require knee surgery, proved his fitness for his club on 24 May and was named in the squad.

Full England squad:

Scott Carson (West Bromwich Albion), Robert Green (West Ham United), Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers)

Wayne Bridge (Manchester City), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Gary Neville (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham United)

Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Beckham (AC Milan loan from LA Galaxy), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Carlton Cole (West Ham United), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

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