England defender Dawson out of Switzerland clash

Michael Dawson has been ruled out of England’s upcoming Euro 2012 clash with Switzerland after injuring a knee during the 4-0 defeat of Bulgaria, the English Football Association said on Saturday.

Tottenham centre-half Dawson was stretchered off midway through the second half of Friday’s game at Wembley after suffering what looked like a serious knee injury.

A Football Association statement on Saturday confirmed the 26-year-old was out of Tuesday’s Group G game against Switzerland in Basel. He will not be replaced, the statement added.

“Following a scan on his knee this morning, Michael Dawson will miss England’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland on Tuesday,” the statement said.

“England and Tottenham Hotspur medical staff were in contact this morning and Dawson has now returned to his club for further treatment.

“There will be no further call-ups.”

Dawson’s injury was one of the few negatives for England as they launched their qualifying campaign with a convincing defeat of Bulgaria.