Rio Ferdinand is a major doubt for England's friendly against Italy
at Elland Road next week.

Ferdinand's absence could force Sven-Goran Eriksson to pick his Leeds
team-mate Jonathan Woodgate.

Ferdinand is almost certain to miss Leeds's game at Leicester with a
knee injury.

The defender sustained the knock in training this week, and now faces
a battle to be fit in time to take on the Italians on Wednesday.

Ferdinand has been undergoing extensive treatment since damaging his
right knee.

With Eriksson due to name his squad for the match with Italy at
around 7pm on Saturday, the debate over whether Woodgate should
finally be recalled to the England fold would appear to be coming to
a head.

Woodgate has noe completed a 100-hour community service sentence.

Eriksson is a known admirer of Woodgate, who has just returned to
action for Leeds after seven weeks out with a hamstring injury.

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

But if Ferdinand fails to overcome the injury, and with Martin Keown
already out 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 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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we belong, All you need is love!"


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