Carson released from England squad

Goalkeeper Scott Carson has been released from the England squad to play against Bulgaria following a family bereavement.

Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach has been called up from the Under-21s as his replacement.

Carson was hoping to make his first England appearance since the victory over Germany in Berlin in November 2008, although the role has always been earmarked for Manchester City’s Joe Hart.

However, the news does highlight the lack of goalkeeping depth available to Capello.

Loach ended up being the understudy to Hart for last month’s friendly win over Hungary when current number two Ben Foster withdrew through injury and Paul Robinson announced his retirement from international football.