Bent withdraws from England squad

Darren Bent is among six players who have withdrawn from the England squad for next midweek's friendly against the Netherlands.

The Football Association reported on Sunday night that the Charlton striker had a hamstring problem, and would miss Wednesday's clash in Amsterdam.

Also withdrawn from the squad are Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who faced Bent at the JJB Stadium on Saturday, as he is an expectant father and has been given leave of absence from the friendly.

Manchester United captain Gary Neville has a calf injury, and also out of the last senior England game of 2006 are Newcastle United midfielder and former Addick Scott Parker and Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, who are both picked up groin injuries over the weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur skipper Ledley King is also absent from Amsterdam with a knee injury.