Hell for Adams.
England have run into a massive injury crisis 24 hours before the make- or-break Euro 96 showdown with Spain.Heroes Tony Adams and Darren Anderton are injury doubts for the crucial quarter-final clash that will take the lid off Wembley.
Skipper Adams has knee trouble and winger Anderton has a hamstring problem.
It's a disaster for Terry Venables, who is carrying a nation's hopes towards a semi-final meeting with Germany.
England will have only 14 fit outfield players if they don't shake off their injuries.
England boss Venables is desperately worried that he could be without his stalwart centre-back for the biggest game of his career.
Both men have been ever-presents so far in unbeaten England's sensational start.
An England win will take them to their first semi-final since a last- four shoot-out defeat against West Germany in the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Victory over Spain is likely to clinch a grudge return with the Germans at Wembley on Wednesday.
If Adams and Anderton don't make it Venables will have to change almost a third of the side which recorded that famous 4-1 triumph over the Dutch in midweek. England have already had to rule out midfielder Jamie Redknapp and centre-back Steve Howey with ankle injuries.
And Venables has to make at least one change tomorrow with Paul Ince suspended after his booking against Holland.
Adams, the pillar of England's defence, missed training with a recurrence of his knee problem.
He was struggling with the injury in the build-up to the win over the Dutch.
Adams still has scar tissue from his January cartilage operation.
The inspirational defender has been captaining the side in the absence of David Platt, who could return for Ince.
If Adams doesn't make it, Venables will have serious problems at the back.
He could move Gary Neville to partner Gareth Southgate in the centre of defence, drafting in Phil Neville to cover for his brother at right- back.
Or he could call up Spurs' inexperienced but versatile Sol Campbell for his first senior start.
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Author: | Wiechula, Frank |
| Publication: | The Mirror (London, England) |
| Date: | Jun 21, 1996 |
| Words: | 340 |
| Previous Article: | saves 'Arry. |
| Next Article: | UP FOR THE CUP; CHRIS WADDLE NAMES HIS EURO 96 XI. |