Gerrard rested by England

Skipper Steven Gerrard was rested from England's World Cup qualifier against San Marino this evening.

The midfielder was apparently being saved by Roy Hodgson for the far more important Group H clash with Montenegro on Tuesday.

It meant Frank Lampard was named skipper of a side that paired Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott together, extending a record of England not playing the same central defensive partnership in successive games this season.

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley continued his ever-present record during the current campaign, whilst club colleagues Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney were also included.

The loss of Theo Walcott to a groin injury that is set to keep him out for up to 10 days meant Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed a starting berth against the side he scored his first international goal against in October.

Meanwhile, Kyle Walker and Leighton Baines occupied the full-back berths, with Jermain Defoe the central striker.