Gerrard misses Denmark game

Profile: Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of England's friendly against Denmark on Sunday because of a back injury.

The Liverpool midfielder is the latest casualty in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad following the loss of Michael Owen last week.

There are also major doubts over captain David Beckham and Aston Villa forward Darius Vassell.

Beckham is struggling to be fit after injuring his back which forced him to miss England's training session at Carrington on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Vassell picked up a knee injury playing for his club in a friendly match in Dubai and will be examined by England doctors on Friday.

England drop Smith

Leeds striker Alan Smith was brought into the squad as cover on Thursday, but just hours later was dropped after details emerged of his arrest for for allegedly throwing a bottle at fans during a game against Man United.

But there was some good news for Eriksson, as striker Wayne Rooney returned to training after recovering from flu.

Football Association spokesman Adrian Bevington said: "Steven Gerrard has a back strain and after full consultation between the medical staff at Liverpool and England, has pulled out of the squad.

We are aware that Beckham has a back problem Sven-Goran Eriksson

"Darius Vassell who, with full agreement between David O'Leary and Sven-Goran Eriksson, played for Aston Villa in Dubai on Wednesday, scored four goals but also picked up a knock to his knee.

"He had a scan before his flight home and will be fully assessed when he arrives at the England camp but he won't train on Friday."

Johnson and Parker win call-ups

If Vassell misses out then either Smith or Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole may be handed the chance of playing up front.

Beckham check

Captain Beckham faces an anxious wait to see if he will be fit for Sunday after damaging his back during Real Madrid's 4-1 defeat by Seville at the weekend.

"We are aware that Beckham has a back problem, he will report for us and will be assessed by our medical staff," said Eriksson.

Apart from Leeds forward Smith, the England coach was also forced to call-up Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner in place of Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate who pulled out with a thigh injury.

Murphy should definitely start now - I'd like to see Scotty Parker given a chance too From Chris Brown Have your say on 606

The 23-year-old, who has represented his country at Under-21 level, receives his first summons to the senior squad.

"Anthony is a player I have watched several times and I know he played very well against Arsenal on Saturday," said Eriksson.

"This is a good opportunity for the player and a good opportunity for me to have a look at him too."

Gardner received the news shortly after leaving training on Tuesday.

He said: "I thought it was a wind-up at first. My next emotion was just surprise, just extreme surprise."

He added: "Now that I am getting over the shock I am excited and very proud."