Lescott replaces Cole for Russia game
England handed a full debut to Joleon Lescott for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia in Moscow.
The Everton defender was brought into Steve McClaren’s side as a replacement for Ashley Cole who suffered an ankle injury during the weekend win over Estonia.
Lescott had initially been introduced in that game as a replacement for Rio Ferdinand at centre-back but moved to left-back when Cole was injured.
It was the only change from the side which started against the Estonians and earned England a fifth successive 3-0 win in their group.
Skipper John Terry’s withdrawal with a recurrence of a knee injury suffered in the final minute of training on Tuesday evening meant Sol Campbell kept his place alongside Ferdinand.
Steven Gerrard again wore the armband for a game in which England need to avoid defeat if they are to keep their qualification destiny in their own hands.
England: Robinson; Richards, Ferdinand, Campbell, Lescott; Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Barry, J Cole; Rooney, Owen.
Subs: James, Shorey, L Young, Lampard, P Neville, Downing, Crouch.
