Football: England lose Adams, Walker and Neville
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Glenn Hoddle lost another three players from his England squad yesterday when Tony Adams, Ian Walker and Gary Neville pulled out of Saturday's friendly against Mexico. The England coach still has to check on the fitness of five other players before deciding whether to draft in more replacements.
He will have to pick his third captain in five internationals, with Paul Ince likely to win the vote ahead of Stuart Pearce. Adams would have led the side at Wembley, but Hoddle has now had medical evidence to back up the advice from the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, that the centre-back will not recover from his ankle injury in time.
With Gary Neville ruled out by a similar injury, Walker still suffering with his knee problem, and Gareth Southgate and Sol Campbell also worried by ankle problems, the England coach could have to play a completely different defence from the one he used against Italy in the World Cup last month.
Neville has already been replaced by brother, Philip. He could line up alongside his uncapped Old Trafford team-mate David May,drafted in for his club partner, Gary Pallister, with Martin Keown returning after a four-year absence.
Hoddle is waiting to find out if Matthew Le Tissier, Steve McManaman and Teddy Sheringham will be fit. The coach has already lost Pallister, Matteo, Anderton, Beckham and Barmby, while Seaman, Shearer, Merson, Hinchcliffe and Stone could not be considered for the squad.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments