Injured Crouch pulls out of England Euro 2012 qualifiers

The Tottenham striker was a major doubt after club boss Harry Redknapp revealed what he thought was a rib problem after Saturday's home defeat to Wigan.

Coach Fabio Capello took the precaution of naming an extra striker in his 24-man squad, so no replacement will be drafted in now that Crouch has returned to Spurs for treatment.

Bobby Zamora was ruled out prior to the squad being announced so Capello is left to choose from Wayne Rooney, Carlton Cole, Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe, who has recovered from a groin complaint.

The FA made no further injury announcements and no call-ups, which must be viewed as good news given that England only had one goalkeeper at training on Tuesday.

There is already cover for Phil Jagielka, who also sat out training on Tuesday with an ankle problem which David Moyes revealed made him an extreme doubt following Everton's defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday.

And Gareth Barry offered Capello a further boost on Wednesday by insisting the England dressing room are fully behind their manager.

Friday's match against Bulgaria is their first competitive international since crashing out of the World Cup to Germany.

With a tricky trip to Switzerland following on September 7, some fear the results will be so poor that the FA will have little option but to oust Capello.

But Barry - one of 13 members of the current squad who survived the debacle in South Africa - insists that the England players still have faith in their leader.

"Everyone is right behind the manager," said the Manchester City midfielder.

"I firmly believe the players and manager can go on and do great things. He is still the man to take England forward."

Barry offered encouragement to City team-mate Adam Johnson to shine, saying he "could really make his mark" for England.

After joining from Middlesbrough midway through last season he "came into the team full of confidence and hasn't stopped since," said Barry.

"He has kept improving with every game. The more he plays at this level, the better he will become."

Johnson took his England bow in last month's friendly against Hungary and could make his competitive debut on Friday, especially if Capello selects Wayne Rooney as a lone striker and uses two wingers.