Woodgate tipped for England

UNITED'S Jonathan Woodgate is being tipped for an international recall after England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson watched the 21 year old impress in Leeds' 3-0 win over West Ham on New Years Day.

Woodgate is reportedly set to be given the all clear to resume his international career once he completes the 100 hours community service he was sentenced to at the culmination of the court case at Hull last month.

Team-mate Lee Bowyer  was immediately cleared to play for his country again after being acquitted all charges, but Woodgate was found guilty of affray following an attack on an Asian student in Leeds two years ago.

The FA insist Woodgate must complete his sentence before they will review his situation.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is keen to include Woodgate in his plans for the World Cup, particularly as the partnership with Rio Ferdinand has still to concede a goal in three games since they teamed up in the centre of the Leeds defence at Bolton on Boxing Day.

The likelihood is that Woodgate will have completed his sentence by the time England play Italy at Elland Road on March 27.

Leeds manager David O'Leary has been impressed by the form of Woodgate since his return but is refusing to be drawn into the debate.

 O'Leary said: "I don’t want to get involved in the England thing.

"All I know is that Woody has done great since he has come back into the side."

since 17/6/2001

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