Rickie Lambert would have been dropped by England for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday if Danny Welbeck was available for selection, according to a report.
The Manchester United forward is banned for the trip to Kiev following the yellow card that he picked up in the 4-0 victory over Moldova, during which Lambert netted his second international goal in as many games.
Despite the Southampton frontman continuing his 100% scoring record for the Three Lions, The People claims that England manager Roy Hodgson would have left him out of the starting lineup against Ukraine if Welbeck was not suspended.
Instead, Hodgson would have shifted Welbeck, who has been playing in a wide-left role for his country, into the lone striker position and played James Milner or Ashley Young on the flank.
Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney are other forward options that are unavailable to Hodgson due to thigh and head injuries respectively.
