Post by Taxigirl on Nov 5, 2005 9:18:38 GMT
www.sportinglife.com/football/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/05/11/04/SOCCER_England_Nightlead.html
I'M GLAD WE'RE JUST MANAGERLESS
HAHAHAHA
David James and Jonathan Woodgate are poised for recalls to the England squagrd for next weekend's friendly against Argentina in Geneva.
James was dropped by Sven-Goran Eriksson after his poor display in the friendly against Denmark in August, followed by his admission that he had not prepared adequately for his role as a substitute.
However, 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.
While Paul Robinson will start against Argentina, James could get a chance to impress in the second half if Eriksson decides against fielding Robert Green.
Woodgate, meanwhile, is also set to be included in the squad named by Eriksson on Sunday night, having made his long-awaited return from injury for Real Madrid.
The former Leeds defender has so far won just five international caps, mainly due to his injuries as well as his international suspension during his court case, and his last England game was in March 2004 against Sweden.
However, Eriksson is keen to give Woodgate a boost as he steps up his comeback and is likely to include him along with Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Jamie Carragher.
That could be interpreted as putting greater pressure on Ferdinand's World Cup place amid his loss of form, although it is unlikely that Woodgate will actually start against Argentina.
After all, Eriksson is set to play his strongest possible line-up, with Ledley King potentially remaining in the central midfield holding role and Joe Cole therefore missing out.
The main selection decision will again be between Campbell and Ferdinand at centre-back, although 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 long-term injury, 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-21 squad for their two-legged play-off against France for a place in the European Championships next summer.
The England coach explained: "These play-off matches are big occasions.
"It was important for Darren and Kieran's international experience to play against one of the best young teams in Europe.
"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."
Under-21 coach Peter Taylor responded: "I'm delighted to have Darren and Kieran back in the squad.
"Both of them played an important part in getting us to the play-offs and players of their quality will certainly add to the squad.
"They have done extremely well to get into the senior squad but Sven and I both felt that it was important for them to be part of the under-21s set-up for what will be two very testing matches.
"All the under-21s players will be encouraged by the fact that, if they perform well, Sven is a manager who will give young players a chance.
"We know France will be a tough challenge for us. They always produce outstanding young players and finished top of a very competitive group."
"However, we have played some really exciting attacking football this season and confidence is high."
I'M GLAD WE'RE JUST MANAGERLESS
HAHAHAHADavid James and Jonathan Woodgate are poised for recalls to the England squagrd for next weekend's friendly against Argentina in Geneva.
James was dropped by Sven-Goran Eriksson after his poor display in the friendly against Denmark in August, followed by his admission that he had not prepared adequately for his role as a substitute.
However, 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.
While Paul Robinson will start against Argentina, James could get a chance to impress in the second half if Eriksson decides against fielding Robert Green.
Woodgate, meanwhile, is also set to be included in the squad named by Eriksson on Sunday night, having made his long-awaited return from injury for Real Madrid.
The former Leeds defender has so far won just five international caps, mainly due to his injuries as well as his international suspension during his court case, and his last England game was in March 2004 against Sweden.
However, Eriksson is keen to give Woodgate a boost as he steps up his comeback and is likely to include him along with Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Jamie Carragher.
That could be interpreted as putting greater pressure on Ferdinand's World Cup place amid his loss of form, although it is unlikely that Woodgate will actually start against Argentina.
After all, Eriksson is set to play his strongest possible line-up, with Ledley King potentially remaining in the central midfield holding role and Joe Cole therefore missing out.
The main selection decision will again be between Campbell and Ferdinand at centre-back, although 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 long-term injury, 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-21 squad for their two-legged play-off against France for a place in the European Championships next summer.
The England coach explained: "These play-off matches are big occasions.
"It was important for Darren and Kieran's international experience to play against one of the best young teams in Europe.
"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."
Under-21 coach Peter Taylor responded: "I'm delighted to have Darren and Kieran back in the squad.
"Both of them played an important part in getting us to the play-offs and players of their quality will certainly add to the squad.
"They have done extremely well to get into the senior squad but Sven and I both felt that it was important for them to be part of the under-21s set-up for what will be two very testing matches.
"All the under-21s players will be encouraged by the fact that, if they perform well, Sven is a manager who will give young players a chance.
"We know France will be a tough challenge for us. They always produce outstanding young players and finished top of a very competitive group."
"However, we have played some really exciting attacking football this season and confidence is high."