Eriksson hints at Cole key role

[Salem6]

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson may hand Joe Cole the key role on the left side of midfield for the World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.

ENGLAND v NORTHERN IRELAND

World Cup qualifying Group 6 | 26 March 1500 GMT | Old Trafford | Live BBC1, BBC Radio Five Live, Radio Ulster



Eriksson admits he has been impressed with Chelsea's in-form 23-year-old ahead of Saturday's Old Trafford game.

He said: "He seems like a different player and very mature in his way of playing. He's a huge talent and has been doing very well for us."

Eriksson confirmed all England's injury doubts had cleared up.

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing is another contender for the left-flank role, but Eriksson said: "I think he is a long-term name. He is a very big talent.

"This is his first real season in the Premier League and the future should be his if he goes on developing the way he has done this season."

David Beckham and Kieron Dyer have shown no ill effects following their return to training after being rested earlier in the week.

Beckham missed training on Tuesday while he had a scan on a back injury but it turned out to be nothing serious while Dyer had been troubled by a foot injury.

Saturday's match is the first of a double header, with a second game against Azerbaijan being played at Newcastle next Wednesday.



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England (probable): Robinson, G Neville, A Cole, Ferdinand, Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, Beckham, J Cole, Rooney, Owen.



news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4373131.stm

[Salem6]

Joe Cole could start his first competitive game for England against Northern Ireland on Saturday.

Sven Goran Eriksson is taking charge of his 50th game as England manager, and aims to celebrate the occasion with three World Cup qualifying points.
Eriksson has hinted that Cole could finally make a competitive start for his country on the left hand side of midfield.

Cole's improved form for Chelsea has impressed Eriksson and that could well earn him the chance to shine for England at Old Trafford.

Emile Heskey has returned to the squad but he is not likely to disturb Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney's partnership up front.

Eriksson went with three front men against Wales but reverting to 4-4-2 is the likely bet for Saturday.
John Terry is set to partner Rio Ferdinand in the heart of defence due to Sol Campbell's injury, but Eriksson is blessed with a hatful of top class cover at the back.
England are massive favourites for the match, but Eriksson is keen to avoid compliancy creeping in, as an upset is almost unthinkable.

The England boss will take comfort in having the likes of Jermain Defoe and Kieron Dyer on the bench, with both men in good goalscoring form.

Lawrie Sanchez's troops go to Manchester full of hope, believing the pressure is all on the hosts as they are massive favourites for the match.

Mark Clyde and George McCartney have both pulled out of the squad due to injury, but Sanchez is still looking for a performance from the rest of his troops.

Leeds United marksman David Healy will be used as the lone striker for the Irish, but Sanchez is looking for help from midfield to try and breach the English defence.

Northern Ireland are without a win in Group Six qualifying so far, and three points at Old Trafford would go down as one of their finest results ever.


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[Salem6]

Sven-Goran Eriksson says his England squad are reaching their peak and will be out to prove it against Northern Ireland on Saturday.



The Swede takes charge of England for the 50th time in the World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford on Saturday.

He said: "The squad is better than when I took over four years ago - but that is my opinion.

"We've to prove it on the pitch and I'm sure if we qualify we will have a good World Cup," said the England coach.

Eriksson has guided England to the quarter-finals of both the World Cup and the European Championships since taking charge in 2001.

But he knows that he is expected to deliver a major trophy before his contract with the Football Association ends in 2008.

Eriksson said: "I hope that we qualify for the World Cup and that we can go further.

"A lot of the players are the same as when I took over. The squad is more mature, there is a lot of experience, even if the players are not old.

"You can see in the training sessions this week that confidence is very high."

England are expected to brush aside the minnows of Northern Ireland and then Azerbaijan in their next two World Cup qualifiers.

But Eriksson accepted England may have to grind out a result against Lawrie Sanchez's Northern Ireland team.

The England coach said: "To win football games we always try to play good football. If you play good football you win more games.

"But if you ask what is more important, winning or good football, I would say three points.

"Northern Ireland want to beat us. It would be a big sensation not only in this country and Northern Ireland but in Europe, so we must be ready.

"But I say let's try to give a good performance and go out and try and kill them, sportingly.

"Three points in a qualifying game is absolutely necessary."



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