Gerrard out of Poland clash

Steven Gerrard has joined Sol Campbell and David Beckham in being ruled out of England’s final World Cup qualifying tie against Poland next Wednesday.

Gerrard sustained a muscular injury to his shin during England’s 1-0 victory against Austria at Old Trafford on Saturday.

England’s automatic qualification for the World Cup finals – guaranteed by Holland’s victory in Prague – means Gerrard’s absence is not as serious as would otherwise have been the case.

However, the Liverpool midfielder could be missing from club action for a couple of weeks as medical staff assess the seriousness of his injury.