England to miss Adams next month

Arsenal defender Tony Adams has suffered a recurrence of his persistent back injury and has been ruled out of England's squad for two Euro 2000 qualifiers next month.

It is a big blow for coach Kevin Keegan whose side hosts section leaders Sweden in his first game in charge full time since agreeing to accept a three year contract. The Wembley tie is followed by a trip to Bulgaria on June 9th and England cannot afford a poor result in either game.

Adams has endured years of back pain and will resume his regular treatment in this country when the Arsenal; party arrive from their promotional tour of the Far East.