Jack Rodwell has been ruled out of the second leg of England’s European Under 21 Championship play-off against Serbia.
The Football Association has confirmed that the Manchester City midfielder will be forced to sit out a crucial away date on Tuesday.
Rodwell had to be replaced at half-time on Friday as England secured a narrow first-leg lead.
A hamstring complaint forced him from the field at Carrow Road and, having been assessed by the England medical team, he has returned to his club for treatment.
Stuart Pearce will now be forced to shuffle his pack as he attempts to guide his Young Lions to next summer’s tournament in Israel.
Pearce said: “We’re disappointed for Jack, naturally, but I know what I’ve got in this squad and I know they’re good enough to see the job through.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries to contend with throughout this qualification campaign so it’s not a challenge we’re unfamiliar with. I know my players and I’m no less confident in our chances.”
Pearce, who is also without Liverpool defender Jack Robinson and Norwich City goalkeeper Declan Rudd, has decided against calling up any replacements for the match.
Source: SkySports
