Image:Jack Rodwell: Nursing a slight strain and has not made the trip to Baku
Jack Rodwell and Henri Lansbury have been ruled out of England U21s' crucial European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan on Thursday.
Rodwell and Lansbury to sit out Azerbaijan clash
Jack Rodwell and Henri Lansbury have been ruled out of England U21s' crucial European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan on Thursday.
The midfield duo have not made the trip to Baku with Stuart Pearce's squad.
Rodwell and Lansbury, who secured summer moves to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest respectively, are both nursing knocks and will not be risked.
Pearce hopes that by giving the pair a break they will stand a better chance of figuring in another important clash with Norway on Monday.
The Young Lions are looking to book their place in the play-offs and edge one step closer to qualification for next summer's U21 showpiece in Israel.
Rodwell will need to shake off a strain picked up against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday if he is to play any part in England's final two Group 8 fixtures, while Lansbury is still looking to overcome an ankle knock suffered in pre-season.
Pearce is hoping to draft the duo back into his squad when they return to British shores on Friday, after allowing them to undergo treatment at their clubs.
