Walcott ruled out of Poland clash
Theo Walcott has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier against Poland in Warsaw on Tuesday due to a chest injury sustained against San Marino.
Arsenal forward Walcott was injured in a collision with goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini during England's 5-0 win at Wembley on Friday evening, being forced off after just ten minutes to be replaced by Aaron Lennon.
"It was a particularly brutal challenge on Theo that has caused him quite a considerable injury," said England boss Roy Hodgson.
It was a particularly brutal challenge on Theo that has caused him quite a considerable injury.Roy Hodgson
"It's never very satisfying as a national coach when a player who has been on international duty has to go back to his club with a serious injury."
Better news for Hodgson could be the return of a number of players for the crunch clash with the Poles, with both Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson back after suspension.
Joleon Lescott, James Milner and Jermain Defoe are all pushing for returns to the starting line-up after being left on the bench against San Marino for fear of picking up a yellow card which would have led to a ban.
Left-back Ashley Cole is set to win his 99th cap at left-back as he overcomes an ankle problem, but midfielder Frank Lampard misses out with a knee problem and Ryan Bertrand (illness) remains sidelined.
England are 1.90 to win in Warsaw and are 6.00 to win by a 1-0 scoreline, while they are 2.37 to keep a clean sheet.
