England plan without Hargreaves

Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out for England's friendly with Austria in Vienna on Friday.

Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out for England's friendly with Austria in Vienna on Friday.

Hargreaves has only just returned to action after a long-standing tendinitis problem which he sustained while at Bayern Munich and eventually required an injection after his summer move to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old was part of the United starting line-up that defeated Blackburn on Sunday but is still suffering some discomfort.

England coach Steve McClaren has discussed the matter with his old boss, United manager Alex Ferguson, and it has been decided Hargreaves should remain in Manchester for treatment.

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It is hoped Hargreaves will be available for the potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on November 21st.