Southampton striker Rickie Lambert will miss England's friendly with Chile with a "minor muscle injury".

The 31-year-old had been expected to earn his fourth cap during Friday's fixture at Wembley, but England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that the Saints forward will be forced to remain on the sidelines.

The former Fulham boss told reporters: "Unfortunately, we have lost Rickie Lambert. That happened yesterday in training.

"It's not a massive injury, but it's a minor muscle injury that will certainly keep him out of Friday's game.

"it could also potentially keep him out of the game against Germany, but we will have to reassess that on Sunday."

Lambert has scored twice for England since making his debut as a second-half substitute against Scotland in August.

Written by
Darren Plant