England lose Gerrard for Albania trip

Midfielder Steven Gerrard has withdrawn from the England squad to travel to Albania for a 2002 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night.

Gerrard was outstanding for England in yesterday's 2-1 win at Anfield over Finland which helped to revive their World Cup campaign..

But the Liverpool star suffers regular injury problems and is not fit enough to travel to Tirana tomorrow.

The 20 year old has regular sessions with an osteopath in France and has grown two inches in height during the past year. This has exacerbated structural problems for the young star's body with back problems adding to thigh, groin and hamstring trouble that has seen his withdraw from the last ten England squads.

His back is now too stiff after yesterday's game to be considered for the Albania tie and he is due to return to Liverpool tomorrow.

Gerrard was always doubtful to play two matches in a row for the national team and Sven Goran Eriksson knew this full well when he was called up last week to be part of the 25 man squad.

Manchester United's Nicky Butt is a contender to replace Gerrard in Tirana.