England’s preferred left back Ashley Cole has been ruled out of the crucial game against Russia after picking up an ankle injury. The defender was stretchered off the pitch at the weekend as England defeated Estonia. Cole is scheduled to undergo a scan which will reveal the full extent of the injury.

Ashley Cole adds to a growing list of injuries in the England squad. Boro defender Luke Young has been called up as a cover but veteran Phil Neville is expected to take Cole’s place in the national side against Russia. Fellow defender John Terry also remains doubtful for the match due to an ongoing knee injury. In the Estonia game Terry played with a face mask to protect a broken cheekbone but picked up this second injury during training last week. Sol Campbell is set to replace the Chelsea star.