Ashton and Johnson ruled out for England

LONDON, Oct 8 (Reuters) West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has been withdrawn from England's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia, the Football Association confirmed today.

Ashton, who returned this season after a year out with a broken ankle sustained in training with England in August 2006, hurt his knee against Aston Villa on Saturday.

England coach Steve McClaren will also be without Everton striker Andy Johnson after he suffered an ankle injury after scoring against Newcastle United yesterday.

The withdrawals leave McClaren with Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe as his striking options.

England play Estonia in Group E at Wembley on Saturday and travel to Moscow to play Russia the following Wednesday.

REUTERS BJR BD1716