England manager Roy Hodgson has reportedly opted to drop captain Steven Gerrard for tonight's World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

The Liverpool midfielder is expected to miss out on leading his nation out this evening in a bid to remain fit for Tuesday's fixture against Montenegro, which is deemed a tougher encounter for the Three Lions.

Along with Gerrard, Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole is likely to make way for Leighton Baines, while Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott are expected to form England's much-discussed defensive line, according to Sky Sports News.

Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck are believed to have been omitted from the starting lineup while reports have claimed that either Wayne Rooney or Frank Lampard will don the captain's armband in Gerrard's absence.

Reported England team to play San Marino: Hart; Walker, Smalling, Lescott, Baines; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lampard, Cleverley, Young; Rooney, Defoe