Ferdinand injury blow hits England

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LONDON, England -- Central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson have pulled out of England's prestige friendly with Brazil and the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia through groin injuries.

Their absence leaves manager Steve McClaren with a major defensive headache as Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Jonathan Woodgate and Micah Richards are already missing.

The loss of Ferdinand, who has been struggling for a month with his injury, is a particular blow and it leaves Tottenham's Ledley King and Jamie Carragher of Liverpool vying for the place alongside captain John Terry in central defense.

If Carragher gets the nod, Phil Neville is almost certain to step into the right-back role with Wayne Bridge, who is also facing a race against injury, competing with squad new boy Nicky Shorey of Reading for the left-back spot.

With Chelsea's Bridge struggling, Shorey is almost certain to win his first cap against Brazil at the new Wembley on Friday.

The selection issues at the back overshadow the return of former skipper David Beckham.

The former Manchester United star will win his 95th cap - and his first since last summer's World Cup - in a familiar right-sided midfield role, with Steven Gerrard set to partner Frank Lampard in the center and Joe Cole on the left.

Like Beckham, Michael Owen will return to the international arena after a long absence, with Alan Smith tipped to land the second striker's slot at the expense of Peter Crouch.

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