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September 3,
2002 (Tuesday)
Woodgate delighted
by England recall
Jonathan Woodgate has
vowed to reward all those who stood by him
during a turbulent period in his career by now giving his all for
England.
Woodgate has today been handed the chance to resurrect his
international career by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, with the
Swede selecting the 22-year-old in a 20-man squad for this Saturday's
friendly against Portugal at Villa Park.
The call-up ends a remarkable three years in the international
wilderness for the Leeds centre-back, whose one and only previous cap
was against Bulgaria in June 1999.
His arrest in January 2000 and subsequent trial and re-trial on
charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and affray in relation to
an assault on Asian student Sarfraz Najeib, led to a ban by the
Football Association.
Woodgate was eventually found guilty of the lesser charge and ordered
to serve 100 hours' community service, a punishment he completed this
year, therefore opening the way for him to again play for England.
The fact he was not selected for the World Cup was due to Eriksson,
who cited the fact supporters are not allowed to follow England
abroad if they have been convicted of an offence, and so he therefore
had to apply the same logic to Woodgate.
But now Woodgate is ready to pick up the pieces as he said: 'I am
naturally delighted to be back in the England squad and even to be
considered in the same class as the great players who went to this
year's World Cup.
'The strength of the squad is better than ever and I am under no
illusions that I will have to play really well to be considered for a
place in the team.
'I would like to publicly thank the people who have demonstrated
their faith in me and supported me through a difficult period, and I
hope I can reward their faith.'
Woodgate is joined in the squad by team-mates Paul Robinson, Alan
Smith, Danny Mills and Lee Bowyer, the latter poised to make his
debut after being overlooked by Eriksson for the World Cup.
Bowyer, who stood trial at Hull Crown Court alongside Woodgate on the
same charges, was eventually cleared and although missing out on the
trip to the Far East, can now finally achieve his dream.
Leeds legend Norman Hunter reckons Bowyer's call-up is long overdue
as he said: 'Lee should have been in ages ago. I couldn't believe he
didn't go to the World Cup in the summer.
'Now he's gone back into his favoured role which is central midfield
and Lee has been playing as well as anybody and he deserves his
chance because he's getting better and better.
'The only way you can find out whether he can do it at international
level is to stick him in there.
'I am sure that what Sven has seen of him he has been very impressed
and I don't think Lee will be overawed when he makes his full debut.
He loves his football and I am sure that he will become a regular
international.'
Leeds Supporters' Club chairman Ray Fell reckons Bowyer and Woodgate
should look upon this day 'as a turning point in their careers'.
He added: 'It's a very proud day for the club with five players in
the squad. I'm sure all the fans will be thrilled by it.
'It's nice to see Bowyer has finally got the recognition his play has
warranted, while it's good that Woodgate is in there too.
'The past cannot be altered, but the future is theirs for the taking.
Let's sincerely hope they seize the opportunity they've been given.'
United boss Terry Venables was understandably 'delighted' for all the
players with respect to the call-up, adding: 'It's a great boost for
them, the club and the fans.'
On Bowyer and Woodgate, Venables stated: 'I think they are amongst
the best players in the Premiership.
'It (being selected) will be good for them. It's a great experience
to be involved. If they play then it will be even better.
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