Post by Taxigirl on Jun 15, 2004 8:56:52 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/3807039.stm
By Phil McNulty
Our man with England
John Terry is poised for an England recall against Switzerland on Thursday, despite Ledley King's outstanding display in the defeat against France.
Sven-Goran Eriksson hinted Chelsea's Terry will return if he suffers no setbacks from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the French game.
He said: "There is absolutely no reason to keep Terry out if he is fit.
"It is a good problem, but Ledley will not be that disappointed. Disappointed - but he will understand that."
Terry has resumed training with the squad after picking up a hamstring strain in the friendly against Japan.
England coach Eriksson delivered a glowing tribute to THFC defender King after his composed display in the 2-1 opening game defeat.
He said: "The few times I have picked Ledley, I have always been impressed with what he has done in practice and he picks things up quickly.
"You tell him certain things and he does them. The game he played in Portugal for us in February was fantastic and he did well again on Sunday."
Ironically Eriksson's problems in defence are clearing up just as his midfield becomes embroiled in fitness issues.
Paul Scholes, who twisted his ankle against France, is rated at "50-50" to play against Switzerland and Nicky Butt, a possible replacement, might be unavailable after damaging his knee in training.
Meanwhile Eriksson has answered criticism of his decision to substitute Everton's 18-year-old Wayne Rooney just minutes after he had won a penalty on Sunday.
The manager claimed he feared Rooney, had been involved in clashes with Claude Makelele, would have been sent off if he had not removed him.
He explained: "We talked about it on the bench and when you are tired it is easier to lose your patience.
"But Wayne did very well. I am a little surprised because when we met up three weeks ago he didn't look that sharp. On Sunday he was absolutely fantastic.
"I also don't expect him to be badly affected by this defeat. I shall be surprised if anything affects Wayne Rooney.
"He cares deeply that we lost but I don't think it will be a case of him not sleeping for the next three days because of it.
"If I know him, then rightly he will be looking forward to the next game, the next training session."
By Phil McNulty
Our man with England
John Terry is poised for an England recall against Switzerland on Thursday, despite Ledley King's outstanding display in the defeat against France.
Sven-Goran Eriksson hinted Chelsea's Terry will return if he suffers no setbacks from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the French game.
He said: "There is absolutely no reason to keep Terry out if he is fit.
"It is a good problem, but Ledley will not be that disappointed. Disappointed - but he will understand that."
Terry has resumed training with the squad after picking up a hamstring strain in the friendly against Japan.
England coach Eriksson delivered a glowing tribute to THFC defender King after his composed display in the 2-1 opening game defeat.
He said: "The few times I have picked Ledley, I have always been impressed with what he has done in practice and he picks things up quickly.
"You tell him certain things and he does them. The game he played in Portugal for us in February was fantastic and he did well again on Sunday."
Ironically Eriksson's problems in defence are clearing up just as his midfield becomes embroiled in fitness issues.
Paul Scholes, who twisted his ankle against France, is rated at "50-50" to play against Switzerland and Nicky Butt, a possible replacement, might be unavailable after damaging his knee in training.
Meanwhile Eriksson has answered criticism of his decision to substitute Everton's 18-year-old Wayne Rooney just minutes after he had won a penalty on Sunday.
The manager claimed he feared Rooney, had been involved in clashes with Claude Makelele, would have been sent off if he had not removed him.
He explained: "We talked about it on the bench and when you are tired it is easier to lose your patience.
"But Wayne did very well. I am a little surprised because when we met up three weeks ago he didn't look that sharp. On Sunday he was absolutely fantastic.
"I also don't expect him to be badly affected by this defeat. I shall be surprised if anything affects Wayne Rooney.
"He cares deeply that we lost but I don't think it will be a case of him not sleeping for the next three days because of it.
"If I know him, then rightly he will be looking forward to the next game, the next training session."