Ryan Bertrand withdraws from England duty

Within minutes of Lampard's enforced exit from the England squad for their match against San Marino, international football has taken another casualty. This time it's utility left back/left winger Ryan Bertrand who has been felled by the curse of the international break, with the youngster's reason being a "sore throat".

With Ashley Cole remaining in the England fold and Leighton Baines a capable understudy, it was unlikely that Bertrand was going to see any game time in England's two matches (although I wouldn't have put it past Hodgson to play Bertrand as a defensive winger against San Marino), so this isn't really a huge blow for club or country. Again, it merely ensures Chelsea can track Bertrand's recovery so he is available for selection for matches against Tottenham, Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester United, where he may play a larger role than one might expect as a layer of protection for Ashley Cole.

Bertrand created a bit of a mess for himself after the withdrawal, as he responded to several tweeters questioning his desire after he pulled out with "just a sore throat". Like Ashley Cole, Bertrand may now find himself in a bit of hot water with the FA. Roy Hodgson has since commented that he will not be punishing Bertrand, but it's always a bit tough to predict what exactly Hodgson's employers are thinking (or if they are at all). Get well soon Ryan, we'll need you in the next several weeks.