Fabio Capello on the injuries to Gerrard, James and Rooney

Steven Gerrard will miss England's World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Wednesday because of a groin injury. The Liverpool player picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 defeat in Ukraine and limped out of training. England boss Fabio Capello said: "He didn't finish training because the pain was the same as Monday. He's going back to Liverpool." Goalkeeper David James is also a doubt for the Group Six clash at Wembley. "He had some problems with his knee," said Capello. "He's getting better, he'll stay with us and we'll decide." He added: "The other players are fit. There are some little problems but not so big as to be a problem." Also missing from Wednesday's game is Wayne Rooney, who withdrew on Sunday with a calf injury. England skipper John Terry acknowledged that losing Rooney was a blow but believes it is an opportunity for others to stake their claim for a place in the World Cup squad. "We have seen what a big player Wayne is for the side," Terry said. "He has been the heartbeat of the campaign and he has been in great form. "He is going to be sorely missed, but it is a chance for other players to come in and make their case to be on the plane." Despite already qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa, Terry insisted there is no chance of complacency creeping in among the England regulars. "Even players who have been playing regularly feel under threat because if we are not playing well the manager is strong enough to drop us," he said.

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ITN | October 13, 2009