Ferdinand blow for England

Stopper ruled out for Andorra clash

Last updated: 5th September 2008

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Ferdinand: Out of the reckoning

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England have been dealt a blow with the news Rio Ferdinand will miss Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

Coach Fabio Capello confirmed the Manchester United defender was unavailable for the game due to a neck injury but he is expected to be fit for Wednesday's trip to Croatia.

The match against Andorra in Barcelona is Capello's first competitive match since he took over from Steve McClaren following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Capello will now call on either Wes Brown, Joleon Lescott or Matthew Upson to deputise alongside John Terry.

Owen boost

Meanwhile, Capello insists 'the door is still open' for Newcastle striker Michael Owen despite his omission from England's squad for their first two World Cup qualifying matches.

There have doubts cast over the international future of Owen after he was not included in the party for the forthcoming fixtures against Andorra and Croatia.

But Capello has addressed concerns that the 28-year-old is no longer part of his plans and explained that fitness was the major factor behind the decision.

"I considered things and I decided he [Owen] is not fit physically," Capello explained.

"The match against the Czech Republic you could see that Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney were not fit and they played on 60 and 70 minutes.

"So it is for this reason I have not included Michael Owen but the door is still open for him to return."

Positive progress

Capello also said that he has seen his squad develop since he has taken over from McClaren earlier this year even though England's performances have not been convincing.

"I have seen a lot of improvement because the players understand what I want and at this moment I am confident in the players in the team for the next two games," Capello added.

"When we played against the Czech Republic the players were not completely fit but now they are better.

"This is only the first game and we have just start on the road for South Africa. We have many more games to play."