Carrick, Sturridge to miss Brazil

Michael Carrick and Daniel Sturridge have joined Jermaine Defoe in withdrawing from England’s squad for Wednesday’s friendly with Brazil.

Midfielder Carrick played 90 minutes for Manchester United at Fulham on Saturday but will not join up with Roy Hodgson’s side due to a hip injury, while striker Sturridge picked up a thigh problem in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.

An ankle ligament injury suffered in Tottenham’s 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion has ruled Defoe out of contention for the match at Wembley Stadium.

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has also been hit by a raft of withdrawals ahead of his team’s clash with Sweden.

Manchester United defender Phil Jones, Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling, Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne and Norwich centre-back Ryan Bennett have all dropped out ahead of the game at the Bescot Stadium, Walsall.

A Football Association statement confirmed that no replacements have been drafted into either squad.