England call up Young after rash of injuries

LONDON, Mar 21 (Reuters) England called up Charlton Athletic right back Luke Young today following a rash of injuries before their Euro 2008 qualifiers.

England are without first-choice right back Gary Neville, who has damaged ankle ligaments, while his understudy Micah Richards is a doubt for Saturday's Group E game in Israel with a calf injury.

Capped seven times, Young made his debut in a friendly with the United States in May 2005, but the 27-year-old has not played for England since a friendly win over Argentina in November that year in Geneva.

He has been drafted in as cover, should Richards not be fit in time, though manager Steve McClaren has two utility defenders available in Jamie Carragher and Phil Neville.

Young is the latest addition to the squad as McClaren tries to solve a defensive puzzle on the flanks.

He drafted in left-sided midfielder/defender Gareth Barry on Monday as left backs Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge will miss out through suspension and injury respectively on Saturday.

In central defence, squad player Jonathan Woodgate is nursing a knee injury but is due to travel.

England, who have also called up striker David Nugent of second division Preston North End after losing Darren Bent, are third in the group behind Russia and leaders Croatia.

They face Andorra in another qualifier next Wednesday in Barcelona, a game for which Cole will return from suspension.

REUTERS SSC HT1814