• Euro 2012 qualifiers

Foster out of England squad

ESPN staff
March 25, 2011

Ben Foster has pulled out of Fabio Capello's England squad for their Euro 2012 qualifer against Wales on Satuday with a throat infection.

While Joe Hart remains Capello's first-choice keeper, West Brom's Scott Carson has been called up to the squad as cover.

Foster had complained of the problem on Thursday and on Friday morning had shown no improvement, leading England's medical staff to remove him from Capello's selection.

"Ben Foster has returned home this morning with a throat infection, and will not travel with the England team ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales," said a statement on the FA website.

"Foster will be replaced in the squad by West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson who will report directly to the team hotel in Cardiff [on Friday]."

Carson has won three caps for England, but his only competitive appearance was the ill-fated game against Croatia at Wembley in Euro 2008 qualifying.

He allowed a Niko Kranjcar shot to slip through his grasp as Croatia went on to record a 3-2 win that prevented England from reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

While England's preparations for Saturday's game have been relatively injury free, Wales have been deprived of their best player, Gareth Bale, due to a hamstring injury.

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