Lampard, Terry out of England’s Euro 2012 qualifiers

LONDON - England midfielder Frank Lampard and defender John Terry have pulled out of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

England will face Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday, and Switzerland next Tuesday.

According to reports, Lampard will have an operation on his hernia this week, while Terry is out with a hamstring injury.

The timing of Lampard’s operation has surprised England manager Fabio Capello, especially as Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed that the midfielder had been struggling with a hernia for some time.

The minor operation is expected to keep him out for a fortnight.

Meanwhile, Terry, who played in Chelsea’s Premier League game against Stoke City on Saturday, announced that he would not be fit to report for the national team.

“John Terry has been ruled out of England’s next two games due to injuries to his hamstring and gluteal muscles. John has personally spoken to England’s management - Chelsea and England medical staff have also been in touch,” a Chelsea spokesman said.

“All agree that John’s injuries, that he has carried since pre-season, would benefit from a period of rest and rehabilitation,” the spokesman added.

Capello will have plenty to ponder before naming his squad on Sunday, especially if Fulham striker Bobby Zamora and Tottenham Hotspur’s Peter Crouch are unavailable after also suffering knocks on Saturday. (ANI)