Ruddy Hell as Keeper Ruled Out

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy has been ruled out of the European Championships after breaking a finger in training on Thursday.

Birmingham's Jack Butland, who was one of four replacements named in England coach Roy Hodgson's original squad, has been called up to replace him. Butland has spent most of the season on loan at Cheltenham.

Ruddy, 25, had been one of two uncapped players included in Hodgson's 23-man squad, alongside Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"The FA can confirm that Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy broke his finger in training on Thursday and has been ruled out of Uefa Euro 2012," a statement said.

"Ruddy was assessed by the England medical staff and will not be able to be part of the tournament. He will travel with the squad to Norway on Friday and watch the game on Saturday evening, but return to his club after arriving back in England."

The Norwich goalkeeper had initially been given special dispensation to miss England's final warm-up against Belgium at Wembley next weekend to get married.

The news comes as a huge setback to a player who was hoping to stake his place as a regular in the England squad.

“As long as I continue to develop in the same manner I have for the last two seasons, this is a step I want to stay on,” he said earlier this week. “I want to continue to be involved in England squads. It’s up to me to continue to play as I have this season and keep my foot in the door.

“There are the European Championships now and the World Cup qualifying coming up, so it’s an aim of mine to maintain this level. You saw it with Joe Hart, once he got the opportunity, he took it with both hands and I’m hoping to do the same and make sure I can stay at the top level of the game.

“I think Joe Hart is the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment, Robert Green is world-class. I know a lot was made of the last time he played for England but he still has so much to give and he’s still a world-class goalkeeper, so to be able to have the opportunity to work with those, along with Ray Clemence and Dave Watson, is an opportunity I’m relishing."