London  - Midfielder Frank Lampard was on Thursday ruled out of England's friendly against Brazil in Doha on Saturday after suffering a thigh injury in training.

"We can confirm that Frank Lampard picked up an injury to his left thigh whilst training today and will be returning home this evening," said an FA spokesman.

"There will be no further call-ups to the squad."

Lampard's withdrawal means Manchester United's Michael Carrick may be given his chance in the starting line-up.

He joins an already lengthy list of absentees that includes David James, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole, David Beckham, Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon.(dpa)