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August 13, 2002
(Tuesday) from Jonathan Woodgate Club
Sven makes Elland
Road first stop
England manager Sven
Goran Eriksson will make Elland Road his first
port of call this new season, but he's unlikely to see England
hopeful Jonathan Woodgate in action.
Eriksson has revealed his starting schedule on what promises to be
another gruelling season for the Swede, who last season managed to
cover thousands of miles in his pursuit to put together the best
squad for the World Cup campaign.
Unfortunately one of the players Sven was likely to have wanted to
watch, Jonathan Woodgate, is rated highly doubtful and is not
expected to take any part in the game.
Woodgate suffered a deep gash to his leg in last Wednesday's friendly
against Celtic at Ibrox after 25 minutes and required nine stitches
to the wound. The 22-year-old is still feeling sore as a result of
the blow on his tender joint.
Svenn had said he would consider both Woodgate and Lee Bowyer for
England duty again after the World Cup finals, having agreed with the
FA not to select them for England during or in the wake of their
highly publicised recent assault trial.
Both players are tipped to be a major part of his Euro 2004
qualifying campaign, which kicks off against Slovakia in October.
England will though play a friendly against Portugal to prepare for
that on September 7th at Villa Park.
Despite Woodgate's likely absence, Eriksson will still be able to
cast a watchful eye over Under-21 keeper Paul Robinson, who may yet
start the season in place on England keeper Nigel Martyn. Robinson
appears to be in pole position after Martyn's decision not to tour.
Alan Smith will also be determined to get over his disappointment at
being left out of England's squad for the World Cup in Japan and
South Korea, and Svenn will also see Danny Mills, who was impressive
in the Far East.
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