Post by Salem6 on Feb 28, 2006 13:08:46 GMT
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said Charlton striker Darren Bent will win his first cap in Wednesday's friendly against Uruguay at Anfield.
ENGLAND v URUGUAY
Date: 1 March 2006
Kick-off: 2005 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Live on Match of the Day, Radio Five Live and this website
Eriksson will decide his starting line-up after training on Tuesday, but revealed Bent would play some part.
Steven Gerrard is expected to start, despite Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's fears about his fitness, but may be withdrawn at half-time.
England have no injury worries, with David Beckham fit after a back injury.
The England captain was substituted during Real Madrid's defeat by Mallorca on Sunday, but he said on Tuesday: "It's much better this morning. I had a good sleep and a massage last night."
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: "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 be part of it."
Eriksson said he had taken note of Benitez's concerns.
"What Benitez wants to see is Gerrard fit at the end of May and that's what I want as well," said the Swede.
"We have to be careful and I have to listen to club managers. Benitez said that because he is worried Steven Gerrard has too many games in one year.
"That's my worry as well but I hope he can start and play at least 45 minutes."
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.
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England squad for friendly against Uruguay at Anfield on Wednesday:
Goalkeepers: Robinson (Tottenham), Green (Norwich), James (Man City).
Defenders: Young (Charlton), Bridge (Chelsea), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Ferdinand (Man Utd), King (Tottenham), G Neville (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool).
Midfielders: Lampard (Chelsea), Beckham (Real Madrid), Gerrard (Liverpool), J Cole (Chelsea), Jenas (Tottenham), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Carrick (Tottenham), Richardson (Man Utd).
Forwards: D Bent (Charlton), Rooney (Man Utd), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Tottenham).
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4754630.stm