Peter Crouch has been forced to withdraw from the England squad after failing to overcome a back injury in time for Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Bulgaria (15/2 – 90 minutes).

The Tottenham striker had initially been a doubt for the Three Lions’ two qualifiers after picking up a rib injury against Wigan at the weekend.

However, Fabio Capello opted to call up the 29-year-old so the England doctors could assess his fitness before deciding whether he would be able to play.

Crouch sat out training on Tuesday and couldn’t take part in Wednesday’s session, and with no sign of the injury improving the England (9/1 – Euro 2012 outright) coaching staff have decided to release him in order to recover.

The news comes as another blow to Capello who knew he would already be without Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora before naming his squad on Sunday night.

Crouch becomes the fifth player to join England’s growing injury list, although Capello doesn’t have to call up another forward having named five originally.

Everton’s Phil Jagielka could be joining Crouch in watching the game from home because he is struggling to overcome an ankle injury.

However, the Football Association has not released any more news on Jagielka and with no players called up as cover the signs are good that the centre-half  could be fit for the game against Bulgaria on Friday.