Lampard to miss San Marino clash

Frank Lampard has pulled out of the England squad for Friday night's World Cup qualifier against San Marino at Wembley.

The Chelsea midfielder has been struggling with a knee injury and the Football Association has confirmed he will return to his club for treatment over the weekend.

He will return to the England camp on Sunday for assessment ahead of the game against Poland on Tuesday.

Lampard's withdrawal leaves coach Roy Hodgson with a decision to make over the captaincy.

With regular skipper Steven Gerrard suspended, his deputy Lampard was in line to wear the armband at a sold-out Wembley on Friday night.

His absence opens the door for someone else with Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart reportedly in the frame.

Hart, however, believes the honour should go to striker Wayne Rooney.

"I've no idea who is going to be captain but I am pretty sure it will fall to Rooney," said Hart.

"He is our star man with 10 million caps at the age of whatever he is, 26?

"I imagine he is a little bit further up the queue than me."