Steve McClaren travels to Austria under intense pressure ahead of a crucial period for both England and their manager.
Shaun Wright-Phillips missed Wednesday’s training session with an ankle problem but looks set to take part in the game after being involved in Thursday’s training. But Owen Hargreaves, Wayne Rooney and John Terry are already ruled out through injury, while Rio Ferdinand is also expected to miss out. Scott Carson is expected to make his first international start and David Beckham is available as McClaren tries to show his critics this is a useful game ahead of next week’s final Euro qualifier.
Unlike England, Austria already have their place at next summer’s finals well and truly booked as hosts, but currently sitting 88th in FIFA’s rankings coach Josef Hickerberger isn’t holding out for glory. After suffering nine straight defeats, they recently beat the Ivory Coast 3-2 and are tipped to struggle against England.
Defenders Martin Strunzl and Andreas Ibertsberger are recalled after injuries but although Emanuel Pogatetz has sorted out his differences with the Austrian footballing authorities, a two game suspension means he misses this clash.
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