CHELSEA trio Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole all missed training yesterday morning as England continued their preparations for the World Cup double-header with Andorra and Croatia.
Lampard sustained a dead leg in the Blues' draw with Tottenham on Sunday but, despite fears the midfielder may not be fit, he is expected to be available for Saturday's meeting with the part-timers of Andorra in Barcelona.
Neither Terry, who has a
bug, nor Ashley Cole, who sustained a bang on his left knee, are injury doubts for the weekend either and Manchester United's Wes Brown, who also missed training as a precaution after reporting a minor knee injury, is likely to be available as well.
With Lampard sidelined and Steven Gerrard ruled out completely after undergoing minor surgery on a groin problem, there was even more focus on Fulham's Jimmy Bullard.
The 29-year-old, who has been given his first England call-up from coach Fabio Capello, began his career with Gravesend and Northfleet as a £60-a-week player while working as a painter and decorator, and he hopes he will act as an inspiration for other non-league players. "I hope what I have achieved will act as a spur to other players, other non-league players," said Bullard. "There are a lot of older players out there. My message is never give in, hang in there and play to the best of your ability."
The full article contains 246 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
