MIDDLESBROUGH skipper Gareth Southgate's chances of playing in next summer's European Championships were dealt another blow last night.

The 33-year-old was forced to pull out of England's friendly with Denmark this Sunday after picking up a thigh injury.

Southgate, who has been replaced in the squad by young Tottenham centre-back Anthony Gardner, had been hoping to force his way back into his country's plans for Euro 2004.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson included the Boro captain in his squad for the first time in four internationals.

The fear is that this could well have been Southgate's last chance to prove he is worth a place on the plane to Portugal, as Eriksson seems to have already chosen his first choice defenders.

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand - who still faces the possibility of a two year suspension if found guilty of willfully missing a drugs test - Arsenal's Sol Campbell, Chelsea's John Terry and Newcastle's Jonathan Woodgate appear to be the four chosen centre-backs.

And following Southgate's latest international setback the fears on Teesside are that he may well have played his last match for his country.

But Eriksson's assistant, Tord Grip, recently insisted Southgate, 33, still has a chance of earning his 56th cap.

"We know a lot about Gareth," said Grip. "He's been out of the England set-up for a while, both due to injury and the fact that we've had so many good young centre-backs like John Terry and Matthew Upson breaking through.

"When Gareth has played he has been terrific. Because he used to be a midfielder he's good on the ball and we need those type of players.

"He's a nice guy, a good character and a very professional player. I think he can play on for another four or five years."

Meanwhile, Spurs defender Gardner reacted with disbelief when he received the call into the squad from from Eriksson.

Gardner starred in Tottenham's narrow defeat to Arsenal on Saturday and the Under-21 international has been rewarded with a call-up to the main squad.

''I thought it was a wind-up at first,'' Gardner said.

''My next emotion was surprise, just extreme surprise. I always look to see who is in the squad when they are announced because I am an England fan first and foremost and always want to know who is in and who is not.

''But I never expected me to be in there.

"Now I'm getting over the shock I am excited and very proud.

''I can't wait to join up with the rest of the group and will be helped by the fact that I know some of the younger players.

''I've already played for England at under-21 level but just being with the senior squad is going to be something else.''

Eriksson, who has followed the 23-year-old's progress for some time, said: ''Gareth is out with a thigh injury unfortunately so I have called Anthony Gardner into the squad.

''He is a player I have watched several times and I know he played very well against Arsenal on Saturday.

''This is a good opportunity for the player and a good opportunity for me to have a look at him too.''

Eriksson chose Gardner ahead of Fulham's Zat Knight - another young defender he has mentioned in the past that he is keeping an eye on.

Meanwhile, David Beckham will be assessed on his back injury when he joins up with the squad in Manchester tomorrow, while England medical staff will speak to their counterparts at Everton today to see how well Wayne Rooney is recovering from a 'flu bug.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.