March 25, 2003 (Friday)

Woodgate on England alert to partner Rio

FORMER Leeds United team-mates Jonathan Woodgate and Rio Ferdinand could be handed the chance to form the defensive pairing in Liechtenstein for England's Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday.

Sol Campbell faces a fitness test this morning before Sven Goran Eriksson decides whether the Arsenal centre-back should travel. Campbell came through two punishing games for his club in just over 48 hours despite an Achilles problem and was assessed by the England medical staff when he joined up with the national squad yesterday.

He has received further treatment from England and Arsenal physio Gary Lewin and the England medical team were waiting to see how his Achilles settled down overnight.

Campbell will then be put through his paces this morning before a final decision is taken on whether he should join the squad on their flight to Switzerland.

Eriksson must decide whether to rest Campbell from Saturday's game and save him for next week's qualifier against Turkey, or to push him into action in Vaduz this weekend.

Woodgate and Ferdinand – who left Elland Road in multi-million pound deals to Newcastle and Manchester United respectively – will face competition from Middlesbrough centre-back Gareth Southgate.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed after Tuesday's FA Cup quarter- final replay at Chelsea: "We will have to see how Sol reacts but I think he will be very short for the Liechtenstein game."

There are not understood to be any other pressing injury problems in the 25-man squad, 21 of whom took part in yesterday's session.

The other four – Campbell, Francis Jeffers, Frank Lampard and John Terry – all played at Stamford Bridge but should, apart from Campbell, join in training today.

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