Post by Taxigirl on Aug 12, 2004 9:24:12 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3554614.stm
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted at the arrival of new players in next week's friendly against Ukraine.
The match will be England's only preparation for the World Cup qualifier against Austria on 4 September.
"There may be new faces in the squad - we will have to see," Eriksson told the FA's official website.
"This is a big game for us. We have important World Cup qualifying matches against Austria and Poland next month, so we must hit the ground running."
He added: "I am very much looking forward to meeting up with the players again.
"Playing against the Ukraine and players like Sergei Rebrov is the ideal preparation."
Speculation has linked players on the fringes of the England scene - including Chris Kirkland, Jermain Defoe, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jermaine Jenas, Scott Parker and Alan Smith - with a return to Eriksson's squad.
Other possible contenders include Aston Villa's Jlloyd Samuel, Tottenham's Anthony Gardner, Chelsea's Glen Johnson, Norwich keeper Robert Green and Fulham's Zat Knight.
Eriksson must make do without Everton's Wayne Rooney, Arsenal's Sol Campbell and Newcastle's Jonathan Woodgate who are all out injured, while Chelsea pair Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge are also doubts.
Rio Ferdinand is still serving his suspension for missing a drugs test and Paul Scholes has retired from international football.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted at the arrival of new players in next week's friendly against Ukraine.
The match will be England's only preparation for the World Cup qualifier against Austria on 4 September.
"There may be new faces in the squad - we will have to see," Eriksson told the FA's official website.
"This is a big game for us. We have important World Cup qualifying matches against Austria and Poland next month, so we must hit the ground running."
He added: "I am very much looking forward to meeting up with the players again.
"Playing against the Ukraine and players like Sergei Rebrov is the ideal preparation."
Speculation has linked players on the fringes of the England scene - including Chris Kirkland, Jermain Defoe, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jermaine Jenas, Scott Parker and Alan Smith - with a return to Eriksson's squad.
Other possible contenders include Aston Villa's Jlloyd Samuel, Tottenham's Anthony Gardner, Chelsea's Glen Johnson, Norwich keeper Robert Green and Fulham's Zat Knight.
Eriksson must make do without Everton's Wayne Rooney, Arsenal's Sol Campbell and Newcastle's Jonathan Woodgate who are all out injured, while Chelsea pair Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge are also doubts.
Rio Ferdinand is still serving his suspension for missing a drugs test and Paul Scholes has retired from international football.