September 1

September 1, 2002 (Sunday)

Tel: I wouldn't put pressure on my England players

WHEN Sven Goran Eriksson names his first England squad of the new season tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised to see seven of my own Leeds United players in the list. Usually when a manager makes a claim like that people think he is exaggerating — perhaps putting the odd fringe player in to keep his spirits up. But even with Robbie Fowler injured, there are plenty of others I'd put in the `probable' list, namely Paul Robinson, Nigel Martyn, Danny Mills, Jon Woodgate, Lee Bowyer, Nick Barmby and Alan Smith. The remarkable thing about such a highly talented group is that the overwhelming majority did not get to the World Cup. A little while ago I was asked what new names I would like to see in Sven's squad for the match with Portugal. Aside from the odd fresh face like Jermaine Jenas and John Terry — plus established internationals returning from injury like Steven Gerrard — just about every one I named came from Leeds — but we have a lot of good young players and I won't hold them back. When I was a player I wanted to represent my country and I would NEVER stop a player enjoying the same opportunity. Then again, I have my job to do. And when people argue I have harmed Martyn's international career by making Robinson my first-choice goalkeeper to start the season, I can only shrug my shoulders. I just cannot consider issues like that as I go about managing Leeds. I don't agree with that argument — I'd list Nigel and Paul alongside David Seaman as the top three goalkeepers in the country — but it's up to Sven. Just because I am starting with Robinson does not mean he should be above Nigel in Sven's eyes, too. There is no reason why an international manager should not back his judgement and completely reverse club form. Suppose a club uses attacking full-backs but the international coach wants a player who is defensively stronger in that position? It could be a player who is being kept out of the team that is better suited to the role. Similarly, if Gerard Houllier prefers Michael Owen to Emile Heskey does that mean Eriksson must agree — even if the striker he thinks he needs to win a certain game is a strong, hard-running type? As England coach you have to go with your opinions and if Sven starts with Nigel ahead of Paul, it does not make either of us wrong. I think both are exceptional goalkeepers and choosing between them was a difficult job — 24 hours before our first Premiership game I still hadn't decided. I went with Paul but I know how good Nigel is and he nearly won the day on experience. Barmby is different. Whereas Paul is a newcomer and Nigel is a player who has been around the squad for a long time, Nick is in between. He was in my squad for the European Championships in 1996 but since then he has been in and out. He was unlucky last season when he played on the left in the 5-1 win over Germany, but then got an injury and missed out on Japan. Maybe it's because I've known him for so long but he has always looked an international player to me. He can operate right across midfield, behind the strikers or even in attack if you were struggling for numbers. International players need at least one aspect of their game to stand out and Nicky's is his movement. I remember him playing upfront with Robbie Fowler for an England B team against Ireland — two small lads but they looked as if they had been together forever and were as mobile as any pairing I had seen. Nicky is just so intelligent. He picks a pass out, picks a goal out. He reminds me of Teddy Sheringham in the way he understands instructions and ideas quickly. You can see him developing a real understanding with our strikers, like Smith, who is another player keen to learn and I think he will do well. Bowyer is also like that. He is definitely a player I would have considered for England towards the end of last season when key players were getting injured and I am sure Sven would have picked him were it not for outside pressures. I hope there will be none of that if he is called up for this match, I think it is time to draw a line under the past and allow Lee to get on with his life. He is an exceptional player with the potential to get even better. You see a lot of nearly players. Nearly a great passer, nearly a great finisher. Get them up close and they are not quite as good as you thought. There is nothing nearly about Lee's game. He is an outstanding finisher, an outstanding learner, an outstanding passer and an outstanding athlete. He is one of those players you look at more closely and decide: yes, he really is a bit special. Definitely an international. I think Woodgate will also be terrific if selected. He's had a rough few years that delayed his progress but the player I have met has been very bright and positive. I haven't seen as much as I would have liked because he picked up an injury against Rangers, but he has everything in place — he's quick, strong in the air and a good passer. Then there is Mills, who Sven worked with closely at the World Cup. Not bad, is it? And I promise I am not saying this through gritted teeth. Leeds should be very proud of its contribution to the England squad. Even if I expect to be a little lonely this week.

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