Middlesbrough defender David Wheater is set to pull out of England's U21 European Championship squad.

The Mirror says the Boro defender is struggling with a knee injury which is expected to sideline him for the rest of the season and was advised not to rush a return for next month's tournament in Sweden.

Wheater's loss is a blow to under-21 boss Stuart Pearce, who hopes to have the likes of Theo Walcott available against the wishes of their club managers.