London, England – England suffered another major blow in its pre-Euro build-up as central defender Gary Cahill suffered a double fracture to his jaw that has ruled him out of Euro 2012, it was confirmed Sunday.
Cahill was injured in a pre-Euro friendly with Belgium when he collided with goalkeeper Joe Hart at Wembley Stadium, stripping the Three Lions of a first- choice center back ahead of the tournament.
England would have paired Cahill with Chelsea teammate John Terry, but now it will add Cahill to an injured list that previously claimed Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry, as well backup goalie John Ruddy.
The 26-year-old Cahill helped Chelsea win the Champions League and FA Cup last season. He has played nine times for England since making his debut in 2010.
England boss Roy Hodgson called Liverpool defender Martin Kelly into the team, pending approval from UEFA, as veteran Rio Ferdinand was not handed a lifeline at the last minute.
The 22-year-old Kelly made his international debut recently in a 1-0 friendly win over Norway. He has played 24 Premiership games for Liverpool.
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