Sven Says Three Places Up For Grabs:



Sven Goran Eriksson has suggested there are only 3 places up for grabs in his World Cup squad. Speaking at the German Embassy he revealed, "I could pick at least 20 players now, then I have to start thinking harder." He also dropped some not so subtle hints as to who he has in mind for these final 3 places. Here's a rundown of the candidates he namechecked:

Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur, forward, 23 years old)

• Caps /Goals: (15/1)
• Pros: Has pace to burn and is a clinical finisher, making him an ideal understudy to Michael Owen.
• Cons: As with Owen, it's been suggested he doesn't bring other players into the game. When Owen was suspended against Northern Ireland, Sven chose to play just one forward (Rooney) rather than start Defoe.
• Sven Says: "I was very happy to see Jermaine Defoe score the goal he did for Tottenham on Monday night."
• We Say: Some good Premiership form in the next 6 months and he'll be the 4th striker (behind Owen, Rooney and Crouch)

Kieran Richardson (Manchester United, left winger, 21)

• Caps / Goals: (4/2)
• Pros: Made an eye-catching debut against the USA last May when he scored 2 goals, including a Beckhamesque free-kick. Also one of the very few who can play wide left.
• Cons: Subsequent England appearances were not so distinguished. Also struggling to get regular games at Manchester United.
• Sven Says: "One of the leading under 21 players"
• We Say: If he gets some regular football (maybe on loan somewhere?) then could make the plane thanks to his left foot.
  

Wayne Bridge (Chelsea, left back, 25)

• Caps / Goals: (21/1)
• Pros: Was firmly established as second-choice left back (behind Ashley Cole) until a broken ankle in February 2005 put him out of action for 8 months.
• Cons: Asier Del Horno has taken Bridge's place in the all-conquering Chelsea side.
• Sven Says: "You look at Bridge and question how many games he will have for Chelsea."
• We Say: If he can prove his fitness, he'll be on the plane. Like Richardson, he may have to move in the January transfer window.

Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, central defender, 25)

• Caps / Goals: (5/0)
• Pros: Real Madrid spent £13.4 million on Woodgate, making him a 'galactico'. He's great in the air and solid in the tackle. He's everything an international defender should be except...
• Cons: ...he's constantly on the treatment table. It was 18 injury plagued months before he made his debut for Madrid. Then when he finally played in September 2005 he scored an unlucky own goal. Some good from followed, but was cut short by another injury in November.
• Sven Says: "What will happen with him from now to the summer? There's plenty to think about."
• We Say: We feel for him, we really do. But the odds on him staying fit long enough to impress aren't good.

Sven also mentioned three uncapped players, saying "It's really up to them to convince me they should be in the final group. If they play even better than they are today, who knows?" The hopeful youngsters mentioned were:

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur, midfielder, 18 years old)

• Pros: Quick and skillful. Has looked dangerous when he's played for Tottenham this year.
• Cons: Hasn't played regularly and has Completed 90 minutes just once so far this season.
• Sven Says "He's not too young"
• We Say: He probably is too young, and will have to do a lot between now and May to make the squad. With Tottenham's gigantic squad he might not get enough chances to impress.

Darren Bent (Charlton Athletic, forward, 21)

• Pros: Has scored 11 goals for Charlton this year, despite playing as a lone striker. Also has 8 goals in 12 U-21 appearances.
• Cons: He's the only striker in contention who has yet to make his senior England debut.
• Sven Says: "One of the leading Under 21 players"
• We Say: If Defoe (or any other striker) gets injured, then Bent could go. Needs to keep scoring in the Premiership and get some caps in friendly games.

Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham United, central midfielder, 21)

• Pros: The current Under-21 captain, and producing some mature, all-action, domineering displays for West Ham
• Cons: The sheer number of similar midfielders vying for Sven's attention (Michael Carrick, Scott Parker, Jermaine Jenas, Owen Hargreaves etcetera).
• Sven Says: "He's not too young."
• We Say: Deserves a chance, definitely more so than the likes of Hargreaves.

Sources: BBC, The Guardian