Double injury blow for England

Defenders Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson have been forced to pull out of the England squad to face Brazil and Estonia with groin injuries.

Manchester United star Ferdinand and Tottenham’s Dawson withdrew from contention for the matches this afternoon.

England face Brazil in a friendly at Wembley on Friday before travelling to Tallinn to face Estonia in a vital Euro 2008 qualifier a week on Wednesday.

The injuries could see Liverpool's Jamie Carragher come in to partner captain John Terry in central defence.

Carragher has enjoyed another fine season at Anfield and is set to be rewarded with a new contract by the Champions League finalists.

Ferdinand and Dawson follow winger Aaron Lennon, who withdrew on Sunday with a knee problem.