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Ashton out of England squad

Updated 13.46 Mon Oct 08 2007
Keywords: Dean Ashton

Striker Dean Ashton has been ruled out of England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.

The 23-year-old West Ham star picked up a knee injury against Aston Villa at the weekend meaning he will have to wait again for his international debut.

"It almost seems as if there's something against me" - Dean Ashton

England boss Steve McClaren brought Ashton into his squad at the start of last season but the former Norwich striker suffered an ankle break in training.

He returned this season looking a bigger muscular threat after working on his upper-body strength and scored three goals before injury struck again.

"It almost seems as if there's something against me," he admitted at the weekend.

England face Estonia on Saturday before a trip to Russia that could define their qualifying campaign.

McClaren will also be without Everton striker Andy Johnson, who is having surgery on an ankle complaint, but had Michael Owen back playing yesterday for Newcastle and scoring.

Wayne Rooney also scored at the weekend but Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe did not play for their clubs.

Alan Smith featured for Newcastle but is reported to be carrying a knee injury.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.