Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has earned a recall to the England side for the first time in 16 months for tomorrow's vital World Cup qualifier with Finland in Helsinki. Sheringham was drafted into the squad on Sunday as a replacement by stand-in coach Howard Wilkinson and he has named him in his starting line-up. The 34-year-old striker, who has scored five goals for United this season, last represented his country in the European Championship qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia in June 1999. There was also a surprise call up into the team for Liverpool striker Emile Heskey, who will partner Andy Cole at the expense of Michael Owen. Heskey created a favourable impression when he made his first start against Argentina at Wembley in February but this is the first time he has been in the starting XI since that match.
Wilkinson, whose squad has been decimated by injuries, has fielded an attack-minded side for a game England must win after Saturday's home reversal by Germany, after which Kevin Keegan handed in his shock resignation. In addition to Heskey, Cole and Sheringham, he also has Paul Scholes to call upon for firepower in midfield. Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour is another of the six changes to Saturday's starting line-up. He last started for his country in the 6-0 victory over Luxembourg at Wembley in September 1999. Dennis Wise has also earned a recall after being on the bench against the Germans, as has Phil Neville for the first time since his error conceded the last-minute penalty which earned Romania victory over England in Euro 2000.
His brother and Manchester United team-mate, Gary Neville, has failed a fitness test after suffering from a toe injury, while Robbie Fowler has been allowed to return home after not being selected in the starting XI. Aston Villa defender Gareth Barry will start a competitive match for his country for the first time. He impressed in the friendly against France in Paris last month. Alongside him in defence will be his Aston Villa skipper Gareth Southgate, who replaces the injured skipper Tony Adams. Martin Keown takes over the captaincy in the absence of Adams and vice-captain David Beckham.
Filed by Pat Nugent
