Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker has ruled himself out of the England under-21s' Euro qualifier against Norway on Monday because his girlfriend is expected to give birth within the next week.

The 21-year-old has added to manager Stuart Pearce's selection problems after it was revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson had blocked Danny Welbeck's call-up to the squad.

Despite Walker's withdrawl, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp had agreed to let him play in Oslo.

England are currently top of Group Eight on goal difference, ahead of Norway.

Written by
Jack Prescott