Ferdinand, Carrick, Hargreaves out in Zagreb

England's preparations for the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign were descending into chaos last night when it emerged that Rio Ferdinand could miss the games against Andorra and Croatia.

The Manchester United defender has been struggling with a back injury that is sure to rule him out of this evening's game here.

But Fabio Capello now fears he may have lost Ferdinand for the far more daunting match against Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday, leaving him looking at Matthew Upson or Joleon Lescott.

The manager has already lost Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick to injury and concerns remain about the fitness of Joe Cole.