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England midfielder Gareth Barry ruled out of Euro 2012

 

Simon Rice
Monday 28 May 2012 18:35 BST
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Gareth Barry
Gareth Barry (GETTY IMAGES)

Gareth Barry will play no part at Euro 2012 after the FA confirmed the midfielder has been forced to pull out due to a lower abdomen injury.

Phil Jagielka has been called up as his replacement.

The Manchester City midfielder suffered an injury during England's friendly in Oslo against Norway, and today underwent a scan to discover the extent of the problem.

It transpired that the Premier League winner would not be fit enough for the tournament, adding to a growing list of injury problems to hit Roy Hodgson's side.

Barry joins Jack Wilshere, Darren Bent, Chris Smalling and John Ruddy among those who would have expected to play a role at this summer's tournament if not for injury.

Hodgson said today: "I'm very disappointed to lose Gareth, not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years.

"I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I’m sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros. I wish him a speedy recovery.”

The decision to call-up Jagielka from the stand by list will be seen as a snub to Jordan Henderson.

The Liverpool midfielder would be seen as the natural replacement for Barry, but with a number of other options in midfield, including Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, James Milner and Scott Parker, Hodgson has opted to bolster his defence with Jagielka.

Hodgson's original 23-man squad included seven defenders, but the call up for the Everton defender means there are now the usual eight available in the squad. Manchester United's Phil Jones is seen as another option in central midfield, despite the defender having played just one game for England in such a position, and seven for his club.

The final 23-man squad for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine must be submitted to Uefa by 11am tomorrow.

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