World Cup qualifiers: Injury forces Gerrard out of England squad

Steve Gerrard's injury curse struck again as the midfielder was forced to pull out of the England squad ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Albania.

Gerrard managed to make it through the 2-1 win against Finland, which was only his third appearance for his country following a spate of back-related problems.

The 20-year-old midfielder woke up with a sore back again and was forced to pull out of the squad, with England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson not wishing to jeopardise Gerrard's longer-term career.

Gerrard is likely to be replaced in the starting line-up in Tirana by Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt.