England and Manchester United midfielder Alan Smith has apparently broken his left leg during Manchester United's FA Cup 1-0 loss away against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield today.

Smith slipped while trying to shield a free kick, and immediately play was stopped to let the player receive urgent medical treatment.

He was stretchered off after having his left leg put in an inflatable brace by the physio's, and the player was immediately taken to hospital.

It is now unlikely that Smith will be fit in time for the World Cup Finals, had England coach Sven Goran Eriksson chosen to include him in his England squad plans.

25 year-old Smith made his full Senior debut for England against Portugal in 2002 and capped off a fine display with a wonderful diving header to give England the lead, and score his only goal so far for his country.

Smith hasn't always been in Eriksson's squads, but he has never been too far from the reckoning.

He has made five starts for England, and been used as a substitute a further 15 times under Sven's management.

His last game for England was against Poland in England's World Cup qualifier in October.

(Further updates on the players injury will appear as soon as we receive them.)

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