England manager Steve McClaren will be without first choice right-back Gary Neville for his starting line-up ahead of the back-to-back Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra next week. The Manchester United defender was taken off the pitch just 9 minutes into United's Premiership match against Bolton on Saturday. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the news of an ankle injury that will keep the England defender for three weeks on the sidelines. "It's ligament damage and he'll be out for three weeks, I feel," Ferguson told Sky Sports News. "It's a blow, there's no question about that." Neville's cover in the England squad is likely to be Manchester City teenager Micah Richards, but the 19-year-old also limped off in his side's 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough and was substituted after 21 minutes. City boss Stuart Pearce revealed that Richards could be doubtful for England, leaving the decision for the England medical staff.
McClaren "He has come off injured and Micah Richards is not the type of kid to come off injured lightly," Pearce said. "We'll do everything we possibly can to make sure he's fit for England, but with the priority, obviously, being his club. I would say he might be doubtful." Neville's United teammate Wes Brown could earn a call up to replace his club captain. McClaren is already missing left-back Ashley Cole who is suspended for the Israel game, and his deputy Wayne Bridge is ruled out with a long-term injury. The England boss will have to watch the FA Cup replays on Monday closely as no less than eleven players of the England roster will be in action.
