Scott Loach earns England call-up as cover for Carson

Call-up: Scott Loach
11 April 2012

Scott Carson missed England training this morning to return home following a family bereavement.

The West Brom goalkeeper will not be available for tomorrow night's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria but is expected to rejoin the squad on Sunday before they fly out to Switzerland 24 hours later ahead of the game on Tuesday.

Watford stopper Scott Loach, who has been capped 12 times at Under-21 level and was due to represent Stuart Pearce's team against Portugal in Barcelos tomorrow, has been called up to replace him.

Robert Green requires a hip operation while Paul Robinson has retired from international football and Chris Kirkland was dropped by Wigan after conceding 10 goals in their opening two matches.

Loach, who was a late call-up to the previous squad for last month's friendly against Hungary, did not train at Wembley but will join the team at their Watford hotel this evening.

With Tottenham striker Peter Crouch having already withdrawn due to a back problem, the remaining 21 players all took part in this morning's session.

Goalkeeper Ben Foster trained alongside Joe Hart — a certain starter tomorrow night — after recovering from a knee problem, with coach Ray Clemence putting the duo through their paces.

Captain Steven Gerrard appeared in high spirits warming up alongside Wayne Rooney.

After undergoing light stretching and running exercises, the outfield players embarked on a tight passing exercise.

The pitch appeared in good condition despite staging last weekend's rugby league Carnegie Challenge Cup Final.

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