Post by Salem6 on Mar 1, 2006 10:22:26 GMT
Darren Bent and Michael Carrick have both been given an opportunity to seal a place in England's World Cup squad with a starting berth against Uruguay.
ENGLAND v URUGUAY
Date: 1 March 2006
Kick-off: 2005 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Live on Match of the Day, Radio Five Live
Charlton striker Bent wins his first cap and will start up front alongside Wayne Rooney while Tottenham midfielder Carrick comes in for Frank Lampard.
Chelsea midfielder Lampard was withdrawn from the team after complaining of a tight hamstring.
Wayne Bridge steps in for the injured Ashley Cole at left back.
Bent has scored 13 Premiership goals in 26 appearances for his club this season, while Carrick has been in impressive form for Tottenham.
The 21-year-old Bent was first included in an England squad ahead of the friendly against Denmark in August, which ended in a 4-1 defeat. Bent was an unused substitute.
England assistant coach Tord Grip has been impressed with Bent's attitude and ability in training.
"He has been very sharp in every training session he's played with us, but particularly over the last couple of days," Grip told the Football Association's website.
"I think his finishing has really improved this season.
"At Ipswich it might have been the case that he'd take three chances to get a goal. Now, he looks like he can score from nearly every chance he gets.
"He's fast, he's strong and he's good in the air. He has all the qualities that we look for in a striker."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will start, despite Reds boss Rafael Benitez's fears about his fitness, while David Beckham has shaken off a back injury to take his place as captain.
Gerrard required treatment on a foot injury in Liverpool's win over Manchester City on Sunday, prompting Benitez to call on Eriksson to leave him out of the team to face Uruguay.
But Gerrard said earlier: "I understand Rafa being cautious and wanting to be careful with me because we've got some massive games coming up for Liverpool.
"But this is a big friendly on Wednesday, it's preparation for the World Cup, and I want to be part of it."
He added: "The only time I think about tiredness and burn-out is when people ask me about it. I don't feel tired, I feel really fresh. My body's in good condition.
"No matter how many games I play this season I'll be fresh and ready for the World Cup when it starts."
Uruguay have been hit by the withdrawals of Alvaro Recoba and Diego Lopez from Wednesday's game.
Inter Milan playmaker Recoba and Cagliari defender Lopez have both reported injuries, reducing the travelling party to 19 players for the Anfield encounter.
Caretaker boss Gustavo Ferrin has not named any replacements.
England team for friendly against Uruguay at Anfield on Wednesday:
Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Gary Neville (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Wayne Bridge (Fulham), David Beckham (Real Madrid), Michael Carrick (Tottenham), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Darren Bent (Charlton)
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4754630.stm