Keeper scare for England after 'B' defeat

READING, England, May 25: England lost 2-1 to 10-man Belarus in a 'B' international today that was marred by what appeared a serious injury to England keeper Robert Green.

Jermaine Jenas gave England a 35th minute lead but Vitaly Kutuzov scored a freak equaliser in the 50th minute when Green, England's third-choice keeper for the World Cup, collapsed in agony with a suspected groin injury as he took a goal-kick.

The miscued kick went straight to the Belarus forward who, with Green lying on the floor, sent the ball into an empty net -- to widespread boos from the crowd.

Green, who had only taken over from David James five minutes earlier for the second half, was carried off on a stretcher grimacing with pain and looks a real doubt for the finals.

Scott Carson, England's standby keeper for Germany, took over between the posts.

Belarus finished the game with 10 men after a red card in the 73rd minute for Sergei Omelyanchuk but it did not prevent substitute Sergei Kornilenko from scoring an 80th minute winner.

REUTERS