International Friendlies Betting: Steven Gerrard ruled out for England

Internationals / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 11 August 2009 / Leave a Comment

Gerrard could be a big loss to England on Wednesday night and an even bigger loss to Liverpool on Sunday.

Steven Gerrard will miss England's friendly on Wednesday night against the Netherlands due to a tight groin...

The Liverpool skipper didn't travel with the rest of the squad to Amsterdam this morning but England boss Fabio Capello won't be naming a replacement.

England trade at [3.25] on Betfair to beat a side who boasts an 100% record in World Cup qualifying but it should be remembered that England have also won all seven of their qualifying matches thus played, including that famous 4-1 win away to Croatia that included a Theo Walcott hat-trick. The Arsenal winger could well be the player deputising for the experienced Liverpool man.

The Netherlands will have to deal with the loss of a key player of their own after Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel was told he will require an operation on an injury sustained on the opening game of the Bundesliga season at the weekend. The Netherlands are available at [2.5] to win the match with the draw available at [3.35].

Gerrard's injury will be a concern to Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who would not want to be without his talismanic on-pitch leader for their trip to White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon. The Reds are [2.32] to start the Premier League 2009/10 season with a win and a big contribution from Gerrard is normally needed to win such games, specially away from Anfield. He is after all the early favourite at 7.6 to win the PFA Player Of The Year award.