It is a cruel blow for the Liverpool midfielder who has steadily been edging his way into Sven's plans, and, after another composed performance against Korea, looked all set to play a major part for the Three Lions.

Danny has been on crutches for the last couple of days in the team hotel and, in reality, today's news - that he had indeed suffered a break - did not come as a great surprise to Sven or his backroom staff.

So, up steps Trevor Sinclair again. When the West Ham man left for home a couple of days ago, it was with the explicit understanding that he would remain the squad's stand-by player and he has now been called up to the team in his own right. He will depart from London this evening and arrive in Japan on Saturday afternoon at roughly the same time that the rest of the squad will get in after their flight from Korea.

"I have not spoken to him yet," said Sven. "But I have left a message on his phone and I have heard that he is very excited.

"He has not been in England too long so, hopefully, he is still working on Korean time!"

When asked about the amazing succession of injuries, Sven pleaded ignorance to the cause, saying: "I don't know if it's bad luck or destiny... But one thing I have said since I arrived in this job is that we play too many games in England - I have not changed my mind about that.

"But I am not fed up at all. I am looking forward to the World Cup. England is a great footballing nation and we have many good players.

"Those one's coming in can show the world."

Speaking of players coming in, Sven revealed that Under-21 duo David Dunn and Alan Smith have both been placed on stand-by should England's other injury problems not resolve themselves.

Dunn, who captains the Under-21 side, has more than a little of the Gazza about him. His barrel-chested appearance, skill on the ball and enthusiasm for the game could make him an ideal late call-up to the squad, should the need arise.

Meanwhile, Alan Smith, who has already been capped at full international by Sven, is a player very much in form.

"David Platt told me that he had been one of the best performers for the England Under-21s," commented Sven, who spoke to Platt yesterday evening.

Looking ahead to Sunday's fixture against Cameroon, Sven admitted that, in light of our current plight, he would not be using all his first choice players for the full 90 minutes.

"I would have liked to have played my first XI against Cameroon,", he said. "But that is not possible.

"We will play like we have done in the previous friendlies - using almost all of the players. It is the only way."

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