• World Cup

Injured trio out of England qualifiers

ESPN staff
September 1, 2013
Rooney has impressed Moyes this season, despite the striker reportedly seeking a move © PA Photos
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Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones have withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the two upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine, while Liverpool defender Glen Johnson will also miss out through injury.

Following United's 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, the FA released a statement to confirm the trio had pulled out of Roy Hodgson's squad and that Cardiff defender Steven Caulker had been called up as replacement.

Before watching his side's loss, United manager David Moyes confirmed Rooney would have "no chance" of competing for England following a "completely accidental'' collision with Jones in training.

The striker is likely to be sidelined for three weeks after he suffered a cut down the middle of his forehead.

In the aftermath of United's defeat, Moyes revealed Jones had also joined the injured list while Reds defender Johnson left the field on crutches following a collision with Patrice Evra.

England are second in its qualifying group, two points behind Montenegro with a game in hand and with four matches left. Ukraine are a point further back in third.

Hodgson is left with Jermain Defoe, Rickie Lambert, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck as out-and-out strikers.

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