Smalling out of Euro 2012

Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out of Euro 2012 with a groin injury.

The former Fulham man was expected to make Roy Hodgson’s squad after impressing in the right-back and centre-back positions for the Red Devils this season.

However, the 22-year-old will now spend the next few months on the sidelines after Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed his injury on Friday.

He told reporters: “Chris has suffered a bad injury. It is a groin muscle injury and he’ll miss the European Championship.

“We are assessing what to do at the moment but it is a bad injury.”

Smalling has picked up three England caps to date after making his debut against Bulgaria in September 2011.

England manager Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, is due to announce the squad on May 16 – three days after the Premier League finale.

And Smalling’s absence will likely boost the chances of fellow defenders Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Phil Jones and Joleon Lescott.