Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier in San Marino on Friday due to injury.
Cahill hurt his knee in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, but although he is set to miss Friday’s game, he will be reassessed ahead of the important encounter with Montenegro next week.
Uncapped Newcastle United centre-back Steven Taylor has been called up to take Cahill’s place in the squad for the game in Serravalle.
“It’s a dream come true,” Taylor told the Newcastle website, www.nufc.co.uk.
“I am so happy to have received a call-up to the full squad. It is every player’s ambition to represent their country and it is the greatest honour in professional football.
“If I am lucky enough to be given that chance (to play) over the next seven days, it will be one of the proudest moments of my playing career.”
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: “This is a fully deserved call-up for Steven.
“He missed part of the season, but since his return he has been outstanding.
“He has a great chance, on this form, of going to the World Cup.”
Cahill’s withdrawal gives England manager Roy Hodgson further problems in central defence.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson and Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand have already pulled out of the squad, with Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott and Steven Caulker of Spurs drafted in as replacements.
Everton’s Phil Jagielka is also unavailable due to injury.
Revised England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Celtic/SCO)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Steven Taylor (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley (both Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Leon Osman (Everton), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott (both Arsenal), Ashley Young (Manchester United)
Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)
Cahill ruled out of San Marino game
