England boss Roy Hodgson is considering using Michael Carrick as an emergency centre-back in Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
Hodgson's defensive crisis deepened when Gary Cahill was forced to pull out of the squad through injury, following the withdrawals of Michael Dawson, Phil Jagielka and Rio Ferdinand.
Chris Smalling is in line to start at the Serravalle Stadium on Friday and could be partnered by Joleon Lescott but Hodgson is mindful of Tuesday's clash with group leaders Montenegro.
Lescott was booked in September's fixture against the Ukraine and another caution against San Marino would rule him out of what could prove a pivotal game in Podgorica.
Hodgson floated the idea of Carrick deputising in defence, as he has done for Manchester United on several occasions, before October's 5-0 win over Friday's opponents.
Newcastle's Steven Taylor has been drafted into the squad but is uncapped, while Tottenham's Steven Caulker has so far made just one senior appearance, in November's 4-2 friendly defeat to Sweden.
England can reclaim top spot in Group H if they win both matches.
Update:
Hello, regular commenting on Orange News and Sport pages closes on Thursday 30 May 2013. We will continue to provide a commenting facility on major news and sport events on orangeworld.co.uk. Contact us via http://oran.ge/OWfeedback if you have any further questions. Thanks.
brian foster
10:58am on 20/3/2013
Thats sence Mr Hodgson,play Carrick out of his natural position then when it all goes pear shape blame the players commitment. You are loosing players like petals of a fadeing rose,they dont want to play for you. Your history especially at Liverpool goes before you,not very good was it. Yet another looser, choice by our wonderful FA........RUBBISH