Fabio Capello is monitoring the fitness of Rio Ferdinand after problems with a stiff back forced the England centre half to miss training for the second consecutive day. The Manchester United defender travelled with the squad to Barcelona today for the World Cup qualification match against Andorra on Saturday, but will be assessed tomorrow morning.

The squad includes obvious alternatives to Ferdinand in Matthew Upson and Joleon Lescott, while the versatile Wes Brown could move across from his usual position of right back to central defence. But reports suggest that Capello is not overly concerned about his vice-captain's situation and expects him to play at the weekend and against Croatia on Wednesday.

Joe Cole also missed training at London Colney this morning after hurting his calf yesterday and will be examined tomorrow. The Chelsea player's importance to the team has increased with the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard and he should start at left midfield.

Meanwhile, Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach, is expected to rule himself out of the vacant West Ham United manager's job even though bookmakers installed him as the favourite to replace Alan Curbishley. Bilic's contract with Croatia includes escape clauses, but the 39-year-old believes that he could receive an offer from a bigger club should he continue to impress.