Walcott blow for England

London - England winger Theo Walcott was ruled out Tuesday of the friendly international away to Italy in Switzerland on Wednesday.

The Arsenal forward reported for squad duty with a "slightly bruised thigh", the Football Association said, and was unable to train fully.

Walcott has now returned to Premier League side Arsenal as a precaution and no replacement will be added to the squad, which travelled to Berne on Tuesday.

Walcott has become the fourth member of manager Roy Hodgson's squad to pull out following Gunners colleague Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge

But the only replacement called up has been City defender Joleon Lescott, included on Monday.