LONDON (Reuters) - England coach Sven Goran Eriksson looks increasingly
likely to pick exiled Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate in his squad
for next week's World Cup warm-up game against Italy.

With his Leeds team mate Rio Ferdinand ruled out by a knee injury, Eriksson
has few options in the centre of defence.

Arsenal's Martin Keown is out with a leg fracture, leaving Eriksson with
Middlesbrough's Gareth Southgate to partner Arsenal's Sol Campbell against
the Italians.

Tottenham Hotspur's Ledley King is suffering an untimely dip in form, so
Eriksson could turn to Southgate's Middlesbrough team mate Ugo Ehiogu and,
more controversially, Woodgate, when he names his squad on Saturday evening.

The Swede is keen to try out the 22-year-old Leeds player, who won his
solitary England cap when he was 19, before the World Cup.

But Eriksson and his Football Association (FA) bosses must decide whether
Woodgate's return to the international fold would be acceptable following
his conviction for affray in December in relation to an attack on a student
two years ago.

While Woodgate was carrying out his 100 hours of community service the FA
was clear that he would not be considered for international duty.

But Woodgate has now served his sentence, so the ruling body must now decide
whether Eriksson can pick him.


SUPPORTIVE RECEPTION

The same applies to uncapped Leeds midfielder Lee Bowyer, who was cleared of
all charges relating to the student attack.

He was suspended when Eriksson picked his last squad for the friendly
against the Netherlands on February 13 but serves the last game of his ban
on Saturday, making him technically available for international selection.

Were both Woodgate and Bowyer to be picked, it would probably provoke
condemnation in many quarters, although with next Wednesday's game being
played at Leeds's Elland Road ground the pair would be assured of a good
reception on the night.

The FA must also decide if Chelsea defender John Terry's ongoing court case
over an alleged assault still excludes him from selection.

Eriksson is likely to name Michael Owen in his squad on Saturday evening,
even though the Liverpool striker is not certain to play in Sunday's premier
league game against Chelsea at Anfield due to his worrying hamstring
problem.

Owen's team mate Emile Heskey looks certain to be included and Leeds United
striker Robbie Fowler is in line for a recall, while Aston Villa striker
Darius Vassell, provided he is fit, should get another chance after his
goal-scoring debut against the Dutch.

Bolton striker Michael Ricketts has hardly put a foot right since a
disappointing first outing in that match and he will probably miss out.


DYER CALL?

Other strikers hoping for a recall are Blackburn Rovers' Andy Cole and
Tottenham's Teddy Sheringham, although the latter is struggling for fitness
and form.

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer, yet to feature under Eriksson due to shin
and foot problems, is almost certain to earn his first call-up under the
Swede, provided he is fit after a recent virus.

The 23-year-old, who has eight England caps, is desperate to show Eriksson
he can fill the problem left midfield position.

Real Madrid's Steve McManaman, Tottenham's Darren Anderton and West Ham's
Trevor Sinclair are also in contention for that role.

Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole is fit again and should return, although
Southampton's Wayne Bridge may be given another chance to impress, as he did
against the Dutch.

Leeds United right-back Danny Mills is available after his lengthy
suspension and could also return.




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