• World Cup qualifying

Lampard and Bertrand miss Poland qualifier

ESPN staff
October 14, 2012
Frank Lampard has a calf problem © Getty Images
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England will be without Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ryan Bertrand for their World Cup qualifier with Poland, it was confirmed on Sunday.

Lampard continues to nurse the calf problem that kept him out of Friday's 5-0 victory over San Marino, while Bertrand has failed to recover from the illness that also sidelined him at Wembley.

Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson started Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley in central midfield versus San Marino, and he will have Steven Gerrard back at his disposal against Poland after he served a one-match suspension.

Cleverley said of Lampard's absence: "Frank's a great player and can offer a lot to any team in the world. His box-to-box [abilities] and scoring from midfield is a big part of our game.

"It's a loss but that's why you have squads, we've got a lot of good midfielders in the squad so hopefully he won't be missed."

Cleverley also said he would be happy to be shifted to a different role in the midfield to make room for Gerrard, should Hodgson choose to make such a call.

"It's always been a part of my game coming up through the youth team and the reserves, it's a positive of playing for Manchester United that you don't just learn to play one position. I played No. 10 at the Olympics, for my club I've played deeper, so I can play either role for my country."

One further player Hodgson will not be able to call on is Theo Walcott after it was confirmed on Saturday that the forward will be absent following a collision with goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini.

The former Fulham boss also has a decision to make over the position of left-back, with Leighton Baines battling with Ashley Cole for a starting berth.

England, who have played three games, are top of Group H with seven points, while their midweek opponents have garnered four points from two matches.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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