Adams and Le Saux out of World Cup clash

England captain Tony Adams has been ruled out of the crunch World Cup qualifier against Finland on Wednesday.

England captain Tony Adams has been ruled out of the crunch World Cup qualifier against Finland on Wednesday.

He is joined on the sidelines by fellow defender Graeme Le Saux.

It is a double blow to the team's chances of success, and follows the dramatic resignation of coach Kevin Keegan after Saturday's crushing 1-0 defeat to Germany.

Adams hurt his back during a practice game today, joining a star-studded injured list that includes vice captain David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.

Middlesbrough midfielder Paul Ince will also miss the match in Helsinki so he can return home to be with his pregnant wife, due to give birth later this week.

Manchester United striker Teddy Sherringham has been called up to help cope with the absences.

He practiced with the squad today.

After the defeat to at home to Germany in the opening qualifier, England are desperate to leave Finland with at least a draw.

The loss was compounded when Keegan unexpectedly quit, leaving the English Football Association's technical director, Howard Wilkinson, in charge.

Le Saux was officially ruled out after a physical examination revealed he has yet to recover from a calf injury suffered on Saturday.

Goalkeeper David Seaman or his Arsenal colleague Martin Keown are the top candidates to wear the captain's armband against Finland.