Lampard ruled out of Euro 2012

England midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out of Euro 2012 after picking up a thigh injury in training on Wednesday.

He will be replaced in the squad by Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.

Lampard had been set to feature in his fourth major tournament this summer although he will follow Gareth Barry out of England’s training camp after being ruled out of the tournament with injury.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who has 90 caps to his name, was examined by doctors on Thursday and on medical advice England manager Roy Hodgson has been forced to replace the experienced star.

Hodgson is disappointed to lose two of his two experienced players so close to the tournament and has paid tribute to the contribution that Lampard made in qualifying England for Euro 2012.

“It’s a huge blow for the team, especially coming after the loss of another senior player in Gareth Barry. The fact that the doctor cannot guarantee Frank could take part in any of the group matches means we have to replace him in the central midfield area,” he said.

“Apart from it being a huge blow to me and the team, I’m especially disappointed for Frank himself. He has been in very good form and was looking forward to the tournament. He made a huge contribution towards us qualifying for the Euros so it is cruel to be forced out through injury just before the tournament.”

England’s last warm-up game will be against Belgium on June 2 ahead of the opening fixture of the group games against France on June 11.