Carson released from squad

Baggies keeper forced to withdraw from England ranks

Last updated: 3rd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Carson released from squad

Carson: Family bereavement

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West Brom keeper Scott Carson has been released from the England squad following a family bereavement.

The Baggies shot-stopper will now play no part in the Three Lions' opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria on Friday.

Carson had been hoping to make his first international appearance since a 2-1 victory over Germany in November 2008.

However, with issues in his personal life having to take priority, he must wait to make his return to the fold.

There is a chance he would have watched the full 90 minutes against the Bulgarians from the bench anyway, as Manchester City's Joe Hart is now established as No.1 for club and country.

Carson's absence does highlight the lack of depth in the goalkeeping department available to Fabio Capello, though, with few options available as cover.

Watford's Scott Loach has been promoted from the U21 squad for now, but England would have hoped to have had more experienced options from which to choose.

Ben Foster, who has started the season positively for Birmingham City, is still involved, but with Paul Robinson having retired, David James' international career seemingly over and Chris Kirkland struggling for form, the Three Lions are down to the bare bones.