Dean Ashton breaks ankle
Dean Ashton has been ruled out of England’s friendly against Greece at Old Trafford tomorrow night after breaking his ankle in training.
Ashton was taken to hospital for a scan to discover the extent of the injury and new England boss Steve McClaren, speaking before confirmation that the striker’s ankle was broken, admitted: “It has really clouded our morning”.
The West Ham striker would have made his debut against the European champions but Ashton’s place has now been handed to Jermain Defoe.
McClaren, who will not call up a replacement, added: “It is really disappointing when a young player is given his chance then he gets injured.
“We had done some work on Dean yesterday and did some more this morning, but these things happen in football. We are just very sorry to see this happen,” he told Sky Sports.
McClaren revealed he sought the opinion of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez before opting to play Steven Gerrard in a new role on the right side of midfield.
He added: “I have decided to have a look at Stevie on the right because he played there for Liverpool for the majority of last season and scored 23 goals.
“I had a good conversation with Rafa early last week and discussed the situation. I spoke with Stevie and he is delighted with that – he will play anywhere for England.
“It is an evolution, we are trying new things and we are just looking at one or two different things and the shape of the team is one thing.
“I am looking for the attitude when we don’t have the ball and do have the ball, I am looking for possession and keeping the ball better than we have in the past.”
