Post by Taxigirl on Nov 5, 2005 9:16:08 GMT
www.sportinglife.com/football/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/05/11/05/SOCCER_England_Campbell.html
Sol Campbell is ready for another major selection battle ahead of England's friendly against Argentina, with Sven-Goran Eriksson poised to call six centre-backs into his squad.
With John Terry likely to start against Argentina, Campbell, who has only just returned from injury, is set to compete with Rio Ferdinand, who is out of form, for the other centre-back's role.
It was a contest which he won ahead of last month's World Cup qualifier against Austria, only to be ruled out of the next game against Poland due to injury, opening the way for Ferdinand's return.
Eriksson is also set to recall Jonathan Woodgate to the squad for the first time in 18 months following his comeback from injury, while Jamie Carragher should be included.
However, although Ledley King would make up an impressive six-strong central defensive pool of talent, he could instead by used again in the central midfield holding role - as he was against the Poles.
Campbell insisted: "It's not like I am not used to it. When I first started, there were loads of guys fighting for places and it's the same now.
"Competition breeds success and it's all swings and roundabouts. In the end, it will come down to who has had the best season and who is fit and ready to play."
Eriksson will be able to judge the form of Ferdinand and Terry when he watches Manchester United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford tomorrow, while he will have a scout at Arsenal's game against Sunderland today.
Campbell is nevertheless relishing the chance for England to test their recent mini-recovery against Argentina, having followed a poor start to the season with back-to-back wins against Austria and Poland.
"The result is important, we are in the countdown now and it is what it's all about," he told Arsenal's official matchday magazine.
"You are going to meet countries like Argentina in the World Cup and you have to be able to cope with them, so it's good that we are playing teams like them in the build-up. You have got to do that. It will let us know what we have got to do."
As well as Woodgate, David James is poised for a recall, having been dropped after his poor display against Denmark in August, followed by his admission that he had not prepared adequately for his role as a substitute.
An injury to Chris Kirkland, who could have potentially made his debut as a replacement against Argentina, has opened up a space in the squad for James to fill.
Eriksson is definitely without not only Kirkland, but also Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Owen Hargreaves and Kieron Dyer due to injury.
Cole's continued absence could spell a recall for Chelsea full-back Wayne Bridge, who has now recovered from a long-term absence, while Luke Young should continue to cover for Neville at right-back.
Eriksson has nevertheless allowed Kieran Richardson and Darren Bent to join the Under-21s for their two-legged play-off against France for a place in the European Championship next summer.
He explained: "They are both still very much part of my plans for the senior squad but I know they will be looking forward to showing what they can do in competitive games against top-class opposition."
Sol Campbell is ready for another major selection battle ahead of England's friendly against Argentina, with Sven-Goran Eriksson poised to call six centre-backs into his squad.
With John Terry likely to start against Argentina, Campbell, who has only just returned from injury, is set to compete with Rio Ferdinand, who is out of form, for the other centre-back's role.
It was a contest which he won ahead of last month's World Cup qualifier against Austria, only to be ruled out of the next game against Poland due to injury, opening the way for Ferdinand's return.
Eriksson is also set to recall Jonathan Woodgate to the squad for the first time in 18 months following his comeback from injury, while Jamie Carragher should be included.
However, although Ledley King would make up an impressive six-strong central defensive pool of talent, he could instead by used again in the central midfield holding role - as he was against the Poles.
Campbell insisted: "It's not like I am not used to it. When I first started, there were loads of guys fighting for places and it's the same now.
"Competition breeds success and it's all swings and roundabouts. In the end, it will come down to who has had the best season and who is fit and ready to play."
Eriksson will be able to judge the form of Ferdinand and Terry when he watches Manchester United take on Chelsea at Old Trafford tomorrow, while he will have a scout at Arsenal's game against Sunderland today.
Campbell is nevertheless relishing the chance for England to test their recent mini-recovery against Argentina, having followed a poor start to the season with back-to-back wins against Austria and Poland.
"The result is important, we are in the countdown now and it is what it's all about," he told Arsenal's official matchday magazine.
"You are going to meet countries like Argentina in the World Cup and you have to be able to cope with them, so it's good that we are playing teams like them in the build-up. You have got to do that. It will let us know what we have got to do."
As well as Woodgate, David James is poised for a recall, having been dropped after his poor display against Denmark in August, followed by his admission that he had not prepared adequately for his role as a substitute.
An injury to Chris Kirkland, who could have potentially made his debut as a replacement against Argentina, has opened up a space in the squad for James to fill.
Eriksson is definitely without not only Kirkland, but also Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Owen Hargreaves and Kieron Dyer due to injury.
Cole's continued absence could spell a recall for Chelsea full-back Wayne Bridge, who has now recovered from a long-term absence, while Luke Young should continue to cover for Neville at right-back.
Eriksson has nevertheless allowed Kieran Richardson and Darren Bent to join the Under-21s for their two-legged play-off against France for a place in the European Championship next summer.
He explained: "They are both still very much part of my plans for the senior squad but I know they will be looking forward to showing what they can do in competitive games against top-class opposition."