Wayne Rooney out of England's Euro 2016 qualifier with Estonia, FA confirm
The England captain has not been able to train this week
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.Captain Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia, the Football Association has announced.
Rooney has not trained with the England squad this week because of an ankle injury he suffered in Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
An FA statement read: "Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia so vice-captain Gary Cahill will lead the Three Lions out at Wembley Stadium on Friday night."
Having missed all three training sessions at St George's Park this week, it was always likely that Rooney would sit out the dead rubber qualifier at Wembley.
Despite the injury, Rooney has remained with the squad this week, and the FA said the skipper will be present at Friday's game in north London.
The FA is honouring the United and England skipper for breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's scoring record last month.
Rooney surpassed Charlton's 49-goal tally with a penalty against Switzerland last month.
The 1966 World Cup-winning forward will present Rooney with a golden boot on Friday, and a 20m x 20m surfer flag with an image of the striker on it will be passed over fans prior to kick-off.
Manager Roy Hodgson is expected to reveal at a press conference this afternoon whether Rooney will travel Lithuania for the final Euro 2016 qualifier in Vilnius on Monday.
In Rooney's absence, Cahill will captain England for the first time against the Estonians on Friday night.
Danny Ings is a doubt for the game against the Baltic nation because of an ankle injury.
The Liverpool forward missed training again on Thursday, as did Rooney and his Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick.
Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who missed the first two sessions of the week, did train with his team-mates, however.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments