LONDON – Wayne Rooney is one of five England players who have withdrawn from the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Sweden.
Rooney's right ankle was hurt in Manchester United's match at Aston Villa on Saturday when Theo Walcott was also injured playing for Arsenal.
Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon were hurt Sunday in Tottenham's match at Manchester City as was Jermain Defoe, whom England coach Roy Hodgson had wanted to call up as Rooney's replacement.
The fifth player forced out is Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey after he missed Sunday's match at Chelsea.
Coming into the squad are Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, Wilfried Zaha, a 20-year-old forward with second-tier club Crystal Palace, and Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson, who will receive FIFA clearance to play after previously featuring for Finland's under-19 team.
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