England look to next generation

By Trevor Haylett

England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has revealed some of the next generation of players he will rely upon in the future with the inclusion of five uncapped players in his squad for the friendly international against Sweden in Gothenburg on Wednesday.

Outside chance
Because of injuries and the need to give others a rest, Eriksson has had to delve heavily into the ranks of players currently ranked outside those who must be considered his first-choice for the squad he will take to the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals in Portugal.

Young hopefuls
Nine players who look certainties to make the summer tournament are missing and that has opened the door to a number of contenders from the under-21 squad, exciting young players like Manchester City FC's Shaun Wright-Phillips and striker Jermain Defoe of Tottenham Hotspur FC. There is also a call-up for goalkeeper Robert Green, whose consistency has helped Norwich City FC stay at the summit of the First Division, although Eriksson admits he has never seen him play.

Thompson trial
The inclusion of Celtic FC's Alan Thompson will delight those who have been arguing for some time that he is the candidate who can adequately fill England's problem left-sided position. At 30, time may not be on his side, but Thompson is likely to play in Gothenburg and should he impress, he could be a late inclusion for Portugal.

Defoe prowess
Wright-Phillips and Defoe are clearly seen as the most likely young players to force their way into Eriksson's plans for the start of next season's World Cup qualifiers. Both have made an impact in the Premiership this season, Defoe following his move from West Ham United FC with an immediate burst of goalscoring prowess.

Clemence recommendation
In an often-changing City side, Wright-Phillips has been a constant selection, impressing with his speed, his work-rate and his eye for goal. Green owes his inclusion to the wrist injury which could rule out Liverpool FC's Chris Kirkland for the summer tournament and also the recommendation of goalkeepering coach Ray Clemence.

King out
There is also a place for Aston Villa FC defender Jlloyd Samuel who scored in front of the watching Eriksson in his team's win at Charlton Athletic FC on Saturday. An injury to Ledley King, the scorer of England's goal in the 1-1 draw with Portugal last month, lets team-mate Anthony Gardner into the squad.

Nine absentees
The absentees include Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell of Arsenal FC, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes of Manchester United FC, Frank Lampard and Wayne Bridge of Chelsea FC, Kirkland and Michael Owen of Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC's Kieron Dyer.

England squad
James, Robinson, Walker, Green, P Neville, Mills, Southgate, Woodgate, Terry, Carragher, Samuel, Gardner, Butt, Gerrard, Beckham, Hargreaves, J Cole, Parker, Thompson, Wright-Phillips, Jenas, Rooney, Heskey, Vassell, Defoe, Smith.