Jenas out of Under-21s

The former Nottingham Forest midfielder, who has also been capped at senior level, is suffering with problems with his wisdom teeth and has pulled out of the party due to fly to Skopje on Friday.

The loss of Jenas is a blow to boss David Platt who gave the starlet his first taste of football under him at Forest, but the England medical team are due to assess the 20-year-old upon returning from Macedonia in the hope that the influential Magpies star will be fit enough to play in the game against Portugal at Goodison Park on September 9.

"I can confirm that Jermaine will not be meeting up with us for the Macedonia game, but we will assess the situation again ahead of the Portugal game," said Football Association spokesman Andrin Cooper.

Another injury withdrawal is Charlton's on loan striker Carlton Cole, who missed The Addicks' recent Premiership clash against Bolton with a nagging hip injury.

However, like Jenas, the England hierarchy are hopeful Cole will be fit enough for the Portugal clash.

"Carlton was named in the squad but won't be joining us for the Macedonia game," said Cooper. "We will also take a look at his situation when we return."

England currently lie third in their group behind unbeaten Turkey, who have played a game more, and Portugal.