Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott called up for England's World Cup qualifiers

Called up for his country: City defender Joleon Lescott Credit: PA Pictures

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has been added to the England squad after Tottenham duo Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon were both forced to pull out through injury.

However, with Rio Ferdinand virtually certain to sit out next Friday's World Cup qualifier in San Marino to ensure he is fit for the crucial encounter with Montenegro in Podgorica four days later, Lescott has been drafted in as Dawson's replacement.

Thirty-year-old Lescott has struggled to make an impact at City this season.

He did start last weekend's FA Cup win over Barnsley but was an unused substitute for Saturday's defeat at former club Everton.

England are due to report for duty at St George's Park tomorrow evening when any further fitness concerns will be addressed given Sir Alex Ferguson has already given assurances Ferdinand will be there.

Lennon was omitted from the Spurs squad that lost to Fulham today after he suffered hamstring and groin injuries during Thursday night's defeat to Inter Milan.

Meanwhile Dawson had to come off at half-time during this afternoon's 1-0 defeat by Fulham at White Hart Lane.