Ill Walcott to miss game against Ukraine

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

AP photo

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott will miss England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley tonight after going down with an illness over the weekend.

Walcott, who came on as a second half substitute in Friday’s 5-0 win over Moldova, missed training yesterday after complaining of feeling ill 24 hours earlier and has returned to his club.

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge was also unable to train yesterday due to stomach cramps, but the England medical team remain hopeful he will be fit for the Group H clash against Ukraine at Wembley.

England manager Roy Hodgson responded to Walcott’s withdrawal by calling-up Liverpool’s 17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling, Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore and Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.
“I hope nothing is going round the squad,” Hodgson said. “That was why we were keen to get Theo home as soon as possible and also keep Daniel away from the squad.”