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Injured Theo Walcott to miss crucial England double-header
THEO WALCOTT has been ruled out of England's World Cup double-header with a groin strain.
Walcott picked up the injury in training last night and will fly back to England where he will be assessed by his club Arsenal.
England take on San Marino tonight before visiting Montenegro in a crucial clash on Tuesday. Walcott's Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to deputise.
The 24-year-old is expected to be sidelined for between seven and 10 days, meaning he is a doubt for Arsenal's Premier League encounter with Reading on March 30.
The Football Association has yet to comment on Walcott's injury, although manager Roy Hodgson is expected to do so prior to this evening's game.
There have been suggestions that skipper Steven Gerrard will be among those who are rested against a side who have secured just one victory in their entire history.
Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are other members of Hodgson's first-choice side whom it is said will not start - but Wayne Rooney is thought likely to play.