This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6035559.stm

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
McClaren hopeful on defensive duo King pulls out of England squad
(about 14 hours later)
England coach Steve McClaren expects Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King to be fit to play against Croatia in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb. Defender Ledley King has withdrawn from the England squad to face Croatia in the Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb.
Central defender Ferdinand missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Macedonia with a back spasm, while utility player King was absent from training on Monday. The Tottenham skipper has pulled out of Wednesday's match as a precaution to protect a knee injury.
McClaren said: "Rio has trained and it's good to have him back with us. More to follow.
"Ledley King missed training but is also expected to train with the rest ofthe squad on Tuesday," added McClaren.
King replaced Ferdinand in the centre of defence against Macedonia but hisabsence from training was precautionary.
The Spurs captain had a knee operation in the summer and still experiences asmall reaction to it after some games.
King could have a key part to play on Wednesday if McClaren decidesto move him into the midfield holding position, a role he was occasionally given by former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.