Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifying match against Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday.
The Manchester United defender has a back injury, but should be fit to face Croatia on Wednesday.
Manager Fabio Capello must now choose from Joleon Lescott, Wes Brown and Matthew Upson as a partner for captain John Terry in the middle of the back four.
It was decided not to risk Ferdinand, who has captained both England and United, the English and European champions, in the past.
Andorra, who England beat twice in their doomed Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, should pose little problem in Italian Capello's first competitive match in charge.
However Croatia ended the hopes of the Three Lions in the final match at Wembley and also defeated Steve McClaren's side in Zagreb, where next week's crucial Group 6 qualifier will be played.
Chelsea pair Joe Cole and Frank Lampard are carrying knocks but are expected to be fit for this weekend's encounter.
Steven Gerrard is out after Liverpool decided that he needed an urgent operation on his groin.
Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport
