Leeds skipper Rio Ferdinand is out of England's midweek friendly against
Italy at Elland Road - which could force Sven-Goran Eriksson's hand into
picking team-mate Jonathan Woodgate.

Ferdinand has been rueld out due to a knee injury sustained in training this
week.

The 22-year-old had been undergoing extensive treatment since damaging his
right knee, but was eventually forced to admit defeat.

Manager David O'Leary at least has Dominic Matteo returning from a one-match
ban to partner Woodgate at the heart of the defence for the clash with
Leicester.

But with Eriksson due to name his squad for the match with Italy at around
1900 GMT on Saturday, the debate over whether Woodgate should finally be
recalled to the England fold would appear to be coming to a head.

Woodgate was suspended from international selection after being charged with
assault and affray in 2000 and this policy was continued while he carried
out a 100-hour community service punishment after being found guilty of the
lesser charge.

He completed the sentence a couple of weeks ago and this has meant the
sensitive subject has had to be reviewed, prompting Eriksson into a meeting
with Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier on Wednesday.

Eriksson is a known admirer of Woodgate, who returned to the Leeds side for
the 3-1 defeat of Blackburn on Sunday after nearly seven weeks out with a
hamstring injury.

But the Swede realises a call-up for Woodgate, whose only appearance in an
England shirt was against Bulgaria in the summer of 1999, could overshadow
his preparations for the Italy game or risk disrupting his squad.

The Swede has already conceded he and Crozier have been facing a moral
dilemma, recognising they are almost certain to be criticised whatever they
decide.

With Ferdinand and Martin Keown already out - Keown with a fractured leg -
it leaves Eriksson with only two recognised centre-backs to call upon in Sol
Campbell and Gareth Southgate as Ledley King is out of form at present.

Ferdinand is certainly hoping Woodgate gets the nod as he said: "I hope his
situation can be resolved.

"Things have been determined in the courts, and he's done what he has had to
do outside the courts.

"But it's down to the FA. I'm not the man to make the decision. But the
sooner Woody is playing regularly then the better for him, Leeds and
England.

"I will certainly be more than chuffed if Woody plays. He is a quality
player, and in having played for England before, it will be nothing new for
him."





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