Sven Goran Eriksson announced his first England squad today and included several adventurous decisions that suggests he will go for ability rather than reputation as he moulds his own English team. Although there were few genuine surprises in the 31-man squad, the Swede has gambled on the selection of West Ham’s youthful midfield trio of Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard, while also introducing Arsenal’s uncapped full-back Ashley Cole, Sunderland’s industrious midfielder Gavin McCann and Charlton’s consistent left back Chris Powell to the international set-up for the first time.
While Powell is the only major surprise in the squad, Eriksson’s decision to overlook the defensive talents of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry and the experience of Dennis Wise and Paul Ince has also raised eyebrows across the water.
Manchester United once again boast the most call-ups, with captain David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Wes Brown and the two Nevilles all selected. Eriksson has also included Everton defender Michael Ball, while Real Madrid’s Steve McManaman ensured his place following some excellent performances this season.
Missing from the squad chosen by Keegan ahead of last year’s World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Finland are Tony Adams, who has since announced his retirement from international football, injured Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, Martin Keown and Chelsea’s Graeme Le Saux.
England squad for friendly against Spain: Seaman (Arsenal), Martyn (Leeds), James (Aston Villa), Wright (Ipswich), G Neville (Man Utd) P Neville (Man Utd), Brown (Man Utd), Ferdinand (Leeds), Campbell (Tottenham), Ball (Everton), Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Ehiogu (Middlesbrough), Powell (Charlton), Dyer (Newcastle), Beckham (Man Utd), Scholes (Man Utd), McManaman (Real Madrid), Carrick (West Ham), J Cole (West Ham), Lampard (West Ham), Parlour (Arsenal), Butt (Man Utd), McCann (Sunderland), Barmby (Liverpool), Heskey (Liverpool), Owen (Liverpool), Fowler (Liverpool), Andy Cole (Man Utd), Sheringham (Man Utd), Phillips (Sunderland).
Filed by Shane Murray
