Full-back Johnson out of Brazil friendly
ENGLAND suffered an injury blow ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brazil when defender Glen Johnson pulled out of the squad.
Liverpool right-back Johnson withdrew yesterday after hurting his calf during Monday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Birmingham.
It leaves England head coach Fabio Capello short of options for the weekend friendly in Doha, Qatar, but unlikely to call up a replacement.
Manchester United’s Wes Brown is the only dedicated right-back remaining in the 22-man party.
Aston Villa midfielder played at full-back for part of last month’s victory over Belarus, while Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is another candidate to drop back into defence.
Johnson is the second player to withdraw ahead of the match, after David Beckham dropped out.
The veteran midfielder is needed by his team Los Angeles Galaxy, who have reached Major League Soccer’s Western Conference final.