Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate has been ruled out of the World Cup after
not being considered for selection for next week's friendly against Italy.

The reasoning behind the move not to pick the centre-back in the wake of his
conviction for assault was understood to be for his own benefit to prevent
pressure on him, as well as to ensure the squad's preparations were not
adversely affected.

Indeed, Woodgate will not be considered for England selection again until
the start of next season, ruling him out of this summer's tournament.

This is said to have been a collective decision taken by Sven-Goran
Eriksson, his right-hand man Tord Grip and FA chief executive Adam Crozier.

The 22-year-old defender was suspended from international selection after
being charged with assault and affray in March 2000 following an attack on
student Sarfraz Najeib.

The policy was continued while he carried out a 100-hour community service
punishment after being found guilty of the affray charge.

However, he completed the sentence a couple of weeks ago and this meant the
sensitive subject had to be reviewed ahead of next Wednesday's game at
Elland Road.

Eriksson discussed the situation with Crozier in midweek after changing
plans to attend Arsenal's Champions League tie at Juventus.

The Swede has called up Kieron Dyer for the first time as World Cup hopes
faded for Kevin Phillips and Darren Anderton.

Eriksson has named a 27-man squad to face Italy at Elland Road, with Dyer
and Owen Hargreaves being handed chances to impress.

However, Phillips and Anderton, as well as Chris Powell and Jamie Carragher,
were not included and there is also no place for Real Madrid's Steve
McManaman.

Squad: Martyn (Leeds), Wright (Arsenal), James (West Ham), Bridge
Southampton), Campbell, Ashley Cole (both Arsenal), Ehiogu (Middlesbrough),
Ferdinand (Leeds), King (Tottenham), Mills (Leeds), G Neville, P Neville
(both Man Utd), Southgate (Middlesbrough), Beckham, Butt (both Man Utd), Joe
Cole (West Ham), Dyer (Newcastle), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern
Munich), Lampard (Chelsea), Scholes (Man Utd), Sinclair (West Ham), Fowler
(Leeds), Heskey, Owen (both Liverpool), Sheringham (Tottenham), Vassell
(Villa).




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