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.