LONDON: Winger Theo Walcott has become the latest player to drop out of the England squad for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley after being sent home with a virus.
Chelsea defenders Ashley Cole and John Terry had to withdraw from the squad over the weekend with ankle injuries to join Wayne Rooney, Andy Carroll, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and Scott Parker on the sidelines.
Coach Roy Hodgson told a news conference on Monday that striker Daniel Sturridge was suffering from stomach cramps but could be fit for the match.
Given the illness in the camp, uncapped duo Raheem Sterling of Liverpool and Adam Lallana of Southampton have been added to the squad along with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jake Livermore.
“Theo has picked up some sort of virus or bug because he was quite violently ill last night. Daniel trained yesterday with stomach cramps and complained of them but still got through the training session,” Hodgson said.
“Today he woke up with the same sort of cramps although he was slightly better I believe and the doctor is confident he will be OK.” (Reuters)