Injury KO’s Cleverley

Tom Cleverley has been ruled out of England’s friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil because of a calf injury — joining Jack WIlshere and Steven Gerrard on the casualty list.

Cleverley picked up the injury during Manchester United’s final game of the season at West Brom and the FA last night confirmed the midfielder has not joined up with the squad ahead of the upcoming games.

Cleverley’s absence restricts Hodgson’s options in midfield even further.

Rodwell, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard are the England manager’s only three recognised central midfielders, although James Milner and Phil Jones can operate effectively in that position too.

Lampard, along with Chelsea team-mates Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill, returned early from the Blues’ tour of the US last week in order to keep them fresh for the game against Ireland on Wednesday and the glamour tie against Brazil in the Maracana four days later.

Despite that, Rodwell is likely to play some part in the two internationals — something which will undoubtedly boost the player’s morale after his first season at Manchester City was blighted by injury.

Hodgson’s options in the forwards department decreased by one five days ago when Andy Carroll was forced to withdraw due to a heel injury.

The England manager, meanwhile, will urge fans to avoid offensive songs. It will be the first meeting since a game at Lansdowne Road was abandoned in 1995 because of crowd trouble. Hodgson, in an email to ticket holders and in his programme notes, will ask fans to avoid songs with political or religious overtones.

* England will wear their new kit for the first time in the clash.