England will be missing two of their most experienced defenders for their next World Cup qualifying game after both John Terry and Ashley Cole were ruled out of the midweek clash away to Belarus.

Terry missed Saturday’s win over Kazakhstan with a bank injury from which he’s failed to recover while his Chelsea team mate has picked up a hamstring problem.

Coach Fabio Capello said:

It’s disappointing to lose two very experienced players in John Terry and Ashley Cole for the game in Belarus.

Unfortunately they have no chance of playing, so it is best they return to Chelsea.

It’s thought that Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand will continue as skipper in Terry’s absence and that Wayne Bridge will replace Cole. But after a shaky display at Wembley, Matthew Upson’s place in the back four is less than certain.

Other options include Everton’s Joleon Lescott at centre back and Gareth Barry moving from midfield to left back.