Peter Crouch will miss England’s opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland due to a back injury. The Tottenham striker was always going to be a major doubt once club boss Harry Redknapp revealed what he thought was a rib problem after Saturday’s surprise home defeat to Wigan.
Coach Fabio Capello took the precaution of naming an additional striker in his 24-man squad, so when it was confirmed this afternoon Crouch had returned to Spurs for treatment, there was no requirement for a replacement to be drafted in.
As Bobby Zamora was ruled out prior to the squad being announced, it leaves Capello to choose from Wayne Rooney, Carlton Cole, Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe, who has recovered from a groin complaint, amongst his striking options.