Defoe replaces Agbonlahor
04 Feb 2008 - 15:23:44
Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor will not make his England debut against Switzerland on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury.
The 21-year-old picked up the injury during the 2-1 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
An FA spokesman confirmed: "Following his injury on Sunday, Gabriel Agbonlahor has withdrawn from the England squad and will not be required to report.
"Jermain Defoe was called up on Sunday evening."
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is disappointed for his young star, telling Sky Sports: "It's highly unlikely he'll play for England. I don't know whether it's a strain or a pull, but I can't see him playing.
"He was fouled just before half-time and felt his hamstring. It is quite sore at the moment and he went out after the break to try and run it off and felt it, so we didn't take any chances.
"Of course he is disappointed. It was a boost for him to be called up by England and had been thoroughly deserved.
"He may well still travel to meet up in the party, we'll have to see, but as for playing that's unlikely I think."
Agbonlahor, who has scored seven goals this season, has been a regular in the Under-21s set-up in recent times, but was called up for the senior side for the first time as part of Fabio Capello's first squad.
Portsmouth new boy Defoe has been called up as cover for Agbonlahor.