Baines out of England squad

Last updated : 14 November 2014 By AFP

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick and Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend withdrew with groin and ankle problems respectively earlier this week.

And a day before the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia, Baines was sidelined as well.

"Leighton Baines has withdrawn from the England squad and will miss the games against Slovenia and Scotland," said an FA spokesman.

"The Everton defender picked up an injury in training on Friday morning and will return to his club for treatment.

"No further call-ups will be made at this time."

England manager Roy Hodgson is expected to give an update on the exact nature and extent of Baines's injury during an 1830GMT press conference later Friday.

Hodgson had planned to rest Luke Shaw for the Slovenia match, so the Manchester United defender was omitted from the squad lost Hodgson submitted to UEFA, European football's governing body, on Friday.

As a result, England now have only one specialist left-back -- Kieran Gibbs -- in their squad for Saturday's match.

Arsenal defender Gibbs was not included in Hodgson's squad for this year's World Cup finals in Brazil but has worked his way back into international contention after impressing for the Gunners this season.

Gibbs has won four England caps but only made his first competitive start in last month's 5-0 thrashing of minnows San Marino.

England will be allowed to register Shaw for Tuesday's friendly against oldest rivals Scotland at Glasgow's Celtic Park.

Stewart Downing missed England training on Friday, but the West Ham winger should be fit to face Slovenia.

Source : AFP

Source: AFP