Bevington - injuries are legitimate

England are missing several first-choice players ahead of Wednesday's friendly international against Germany, the most recent withdrawals those of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, who has a groin injury, and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard (rib).

On Monday, Capello asked Gerrard to make a lengthy round trip to have his injury assessed by England physiotherapist Gary Lewin, but Bevington insists the injuries suffered by both players are legitimate, adding that there was "no dispute" over the withdrawals.

Bevington told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Gerrard reported for duty last night [Sunday], was assessed by the medics, scanned this morning.

"It's a legitimate injury and he goes back to his club for treatment. Obviously he [Capello] is disappointed that he's losing players. I've spoken personally with both players, they're gutted about it.

"I've spoken with Gary Lewin, our physio, and he has absolutely no issue - he's looked at them both and they go back having been scanned."

Meanwhile, former FA executive director David Davies has called on the England management and leading clubs to "reach a long-term deal" in order to avoid rows over the release of players for international matches.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's one of the oldest rows and it goes back many years to when I was a BBC reporter travelling with the England team under Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor.

"The same arguments were being waged. In my time inside the FA we reached understandings - albeit unofficial understandings - with the managers, and we didn't have quite as many rows some people sometimes suggest.

"The reality is that until and unless the clubs and the FA reach a long-term deal and understanding on an issue like this, this sort of situation will continue."