Double defensive blow for England

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

With Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Jonathan Woodgate and Micah Richards already missing, it leaves McClaren without three of his four first-choice defenders, plus back up for both full back positions, as Wayne Bridge is also a major doubt for Friday's friendly with Brazil at Wembley.

Scroll down for more

Ruled out: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand (right)

Ferdinand has been struggling for some time to shake off the groin injury he picked up in Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final win over Watford last month.

Although he was able to return for the Red Devil's successful title run-in and complete the entire 120 minutes in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea, the 29-year-old was not comfortable and after missing training yesterday, McClaren accepted there was no point pushing the former West Ham skipper any more.

The same is also true of Dawson, who thought he had done enough in the England B win over Albania in Burnley last Friday to force himself on to the bench in Tallinn.

Instead, McClaren will be forced to play mix and match at the back, with Liverpool's Jamie Carragher and Tottenham's Ledley King vying for the right to partner skipper John Terry in central defence.

Michael Owen and Ledley King, who is line for a start against Brazil, in England B training last week

If Carragher gets the nod, Phil Neville is almost certain to step into the right back role.

And, while McClaren believes Bridge should have recovered from his hip problem in time to face Estonia, the acute injury problems affecting the England camp now make Reading's Nicky Shorey a virtual certainty to earn his first full cap against Brazil.

For the England coach at least, the selection issues at the back overshadow the return of former skipper David Beckham.

The former Manchester United star will win his 95th cap - and his first since last summer's World Cup - in a familiar right-sided midfield role, with Steven Gerrard set to partner Frank Lampard in the centre and Joe Cole on the left.

Like Beckham, Michael Owen will return to the international arena after a long absence, with Alan Smith tipped to land the second striker's slot at the expense of Peter Crouch.