Sven was dealt an early blow when the England squad met-up in Manchester today.

Sven was dealt an early blow when the England squad met-up in Manchester today. Two key midfielders, Trevor Sinclair and Steven Gerrard, have withdrawn from Saturday's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia...

Manchester City winger Sinclair has a swollen knee and Liverpool midfielder Gerrard has an ankle problem.

Rio Ferdinand will see a doctor about his kidney infection tomorrow so England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has called up Birmingham defender Matthew Upson as cover.

"Unfortunately Trevor Sinclair has gone back home. He is not available for Saturday but might be available for next Wednesday [against Liechtenstein]," said Eriksson.

"Unfortunately we have the same situation with Steven Gerrard going back home. He has an ankle problem and might be available next Wednesday but not Saturday.

"With Rio Ferdinand we will wait until tomorrow. He is going to see the doctor tomorrow but we are not sure today.

"So far we have called Upson, 10 minutes ago, so I don't know if they have talked to him yet.

"It's a pity they can't go there but we have to go there and try to win anyway.

"Today I am not sure what sort of line-up we will have."

Paul Scholes has already been ruled out of both Saturday's game and the match against Liechtenstein.

Eriksson said: "He is one of the best midfielders you can find but he is out now so we have to deal with that.

"We are trying a couple of things and we will know on Friday."

Stay logged-on for all the latest news from the England camp...

Related Items

Click here to view the Macedonia v England Match Centre