EURO 2012:ENGLAND HAVE called up the Everton defender Phil Jagielka to compete in his first major international tournament after Gareth Barry was ruled out of the summer's European Championship with a torn stomach muscle.
Barry, who suffered the injury during a 26-minute cameo appearance as a substitute in Norway on Saturday, underwent a scan yesterday which confirmed his worst fears.
The Manchester City midfielder had travelled to the World Cup two years ago still recovering from ankle damage and struggled to impose himself on the finals, with the timing of his latest setback having ruled out a repeat of that scenario.
“I’m disappointed to lose Gareth,” said the England manager, Roy Hodgson. “Not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad, but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years.
“I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament, but I’m sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros,” added Hodgson.
Both Glen Johnson (infected toe) and Daniel Welbeck (ankle) will be named in the final squad to be submitted to Uefa by 11am this morning, along with Scott Parker who had been hampered by an Achilles injury over the final weeks of the domestic season.
The Everton centre half impressed in the 1-0 win in Oslo on Saturday and, having also been a key performer in the friendly defeat of Spain last November, had arguably been the surprise omission from the original party.
Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has extended his contract with Champions League winners Chelsea until 2016. Cech, who is in Prague preparing for Euro 2012 next month, has featured in more games (369) for the London club than any other overseas player.
Also committing to Chelsea is the Lille playmaker Eden Hazard who last night finally ended speculation about his future.
The 21-year-old revealed he had chosen the newly-crowned European champions on his official Twitter account. He wrote: “I’m signing for the champion’s league winner.”
Germany coach Joachim Loew has dropped forward Cacau and teenager Julian Draxler from his provisional Euro 2012 squad.
Loew also left goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen at home after he conceded five goals in their 5-3 friendly defeat by Switzerland on Saturday. Midfielder Sven Bender was also dropped as Loew cut the squad back from 27 to the required 23 ahead of today’s deadline.
Serbia coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has dropped forward Adem Ljajic for refusing to sing the national anthem before the team’s friendly with Spain.
Mihajlovic, famed as a tough taskmaster, issued a set of rules signed by all players and staff when he took over last week and the first item on the agenda was that everyone had to sing the national anthem.
