England's injury problems grew today when Trevor Sinclair and Steven Gerrard were withdrawn from Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia.
Manchester City winger Sinclair has a swollen knee and Liverpool midfielder Gerrard has an ankle problem. Rio Ferdinand will see a doctor about his kidney infection tomorrow so England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has called up Birmingham defender Matthew Upson as cover.
"Unfortunately Trevor Sinclair has gone back home. He is not available for Saturday but might be available for next Wednesday (against Liechtenstein)," said Eriksson.
"Unfortunately we have the same situation with Steven Gerrard going back home. He has an ankle problem and might be available next Wednesday but not Saturday.
"With Rio Ferdinand we will wait until tomorrow. He is going to see the doctor tomorrow but we are not sure today."
Paul Scholes has already been ruled out of both Saturday's game and the match against Liechtenstein. Eriksson delivered a plea to England fans, asking them to heed Football Association advice and stay away from the match in Macedonia.
The FA have already threatened life bans for England fans travelling to the match, and Eriksson added his voice to those calls amid fears that any crowd trouble could see England kicked out of Euro 2004.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think it would be much better to stay at home because going there without a ticket can only bring problems and that would be very bad for us and maybe for them as well.
"I think it would be much wiser to stay home and avoid all the problems for themselves and for the FA and the England team.
"If people go over there I hope there will not be problems for anyone."