England’s friendly international with Holland at Wembley was today called off after a third night of rioting in London placed a strain on police resources.

A crowd of around 70,000 had been expected for tomorrow night’s match and, after a meeting today between the FA and the Metropolitan Police, the governing body issued a statement which confirmed the cancellation of the fixture.

It followed the decision to postpone tonight’s Carling Cup games at Crystal Palace, West Ham, Charlton and Bristol City.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: “Every football match in London is subject to assessment around police resources.”

England internationals Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney have both made public appeals for calm through Twitter after watching events unfold on television.

Ferdinand tweeted: “The scenes on the news right now are shocking. What is this all in aid of? Innocent people’s homes and livelihoods have gone up in smoke. Why?”

“It seems these kids and people have no fear or respect for the police. Maybe the army will get that respect?”

Rooney added: “These riots are nuts why would people do this to their own country. Own city. This is embarrassing for our country. Stop please.”

The third Test match between England and India at Edgbaston will go ahead tomorrow as planned.

But England’s players were locked in their city centre hotel after trouble flared in the city centre.

However, Warwickshire today confirmed that they have no plans to postpone the match at Edgbaston with the first four days close to selling out the 25,000 capacity stadium.

A spokesman for the county said: “We are aware there is some concern over the Test match at Edgbaston  in light of the riots which have taken place.

“An official statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board will be made in due course but, as far we are concerned, it is business as usual.”

England’s players witnessed some of the rioting from hotel rooms.

Kevin Pietersen said on Twitter: “They have just locked our hotel in Birmingham. Riots just started here. Insane.”

Tim Bresnan added: “Just seen the rioters in Birmingham fleeing down the main street followed by a load of police.”