Woodgate ruled out of Israel clash

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LONDON, England -- England defender Jonathan Woodgate has been ruled out of Saturday's vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel because of a knee injury.

The center-back, on loan at Middlesbrough from Real Madrid, will not travel to Tel Aviv but will continue his treatment in England and could be available for the match against Andorra in Barcelona on Wednesday.

England head coach Steve McClaren said: "Jonathan's fitness comes first and we won't take risks with any player.

"We will keep in close contact with Middlesbrough over the next few days to determine his availability for the Andorra match."

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate revealed on Wednesday that the 27-year-old, who joined up with England after Boro's FA Cup quarterfinal replay defeat at Manchester United on Monday, hasd been carrying a slight knee problem "for a while."

Woodgate made his long-awaited return to the international stage in the friendly defeat against Spain at Old Trafford last month.

First-choice England right-back Gary Neville was ruled out at the weekend with ankle ligament damage and it seems inevitable his deputy Micah Richards will miss out as well after failing to play any part in training at the new Wembley Stadium yesterday.

McClaren has already taken the precaution of drafting Charlton's Luke Young into the traveling party but must now decide whether to amend his original idea of fielding Jamie Carragher at left-back and switching the Liverpool defender to the other flank.

That move would open up a starting spot for Gareth Barry or Phil Neville, who may profit by playing on the right if Carragher remains on the left.

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