Defender Rio Ferdinand [ Images ] has been omitted from England's [ Images ] squad for the decisive Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey after failing to attend a drugs test at his club Manchester United [ Images ] last month.

Ferdinand, who 36 hours later passed a routine official Football Association test, misses Saturday's game.

The loss of Ferdinand, a first choice central defender, is a blow for the Group Seven leaders, who need a draw to qualify automatically for next year's championship in Portugal and send runners-up Turkey into next month's playoffs.