England's World Cup plans were dealt a severe blow today with the news that midfielder Steven Gerrard has been ruled out because of a groin injury.
Gerrard limped off in the first half of Liverpool's final league game of the season on Saturday, a 5-0 victory over Ipswich which secured second place in the Premiership and a place in the Champions League next season.
It was initially thought the injury was not too serious and Gerrard sat on the bench for the remainder of the game.
But England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed on Sunday the extent of the problem and the Swede's fears he would be deprived of one of his best players were today realised.
The 21-year-old midfielder saw a specialist yesterday about the recurring groin problem and he will need an operation to rectify the problem, scheduled for later this week.
Gerrard said on Liverpool's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "The rehabilitation period for this sort of operation is six weeks, so obviously I'm going to miss the World Cup which is a massive disappointment.
"However, I need to get myself right as I wouldn't have been able to do myself or the team justice in Japan. In the short term it's a big blow, but I'm only 21 and confident this surgery means I'll be involved in other major tournaments for the national side in the future".
Gerrard will be replaced in the England squad by Liverpool team-mate Danny Murphy.