Here we go then, as promised, first and exclusive news for you of Sven's England squad - of 25 - to face South Africa, Serbia and Montenegro and Slovakia...

Goalkeepers
David James - West Ham United
Paul Robinson - Leeds United
Ian Walker - Leicester City

Defenders
Danny Mills - Leeds United
Rio Ferdinand - Manchester United
John Terry - Chelsea
Ashley Cole* - Arsenal
Phil Neville - Manchester United
Matthew Upson - Birmingham City
Gareth Southgate - Middlesbrough
Wayne Bridge* - Southampton

Midfielders
David Beckham (Captain)** - Manchester United
Steven Gerrard - Liverpool
Paul Scholes - Manchester United
Kieron Dyer - Newcastle United
Trevor Sinclair - West Ham United
Owen Hargreaves*** - Bayern Munich
Jermaine Jenas - Newcastle United
Frank Lampard - Chelsea
Danny Murphy - Liverpool

Strikers
Emile Heskey - Liverpool
Michael Owen - Liverpool
Darius Vassell - Aston Villa
Wayne Rooney - Everton
James Beattie* - Southampton

One of the big-name absentees is David Seaman. When we caught up with him, Sven explained the reasoning behind his decision saying: "I spoke to David Seaman yesterday and, in view of the excellent way in which David James performed in his two competitive games and the fact that we are still unsure of David Seaman's plans for next year, it is better that David James remains in place for this one competitive game.

"We shall re-assess David Seaman's situation after the summer."

After the morning's headlines, Everton striker Wayne Rooney is included in the squad.

Sven said:``He is having a scan and after that we will see what is happening.

``He will come on Sunday to the hotel where we are and from there we will take a decision on if he is coming to South Africa or not.

``I hope he will be fit as soon as possible - that is a decision we have to take on Sunday.''

Eriksson added: ``I got the information yesterday after the games that he had a knee problem and he should have a scan today. Our doctor is talking to Everton's doctor. Hopefully he is fit.''

Promotion-winning Leicester 'keeper Ian Walker returns, while in-form youngsters Matthew Upson and Jermaine Jenas retain their places.

*FA Cup finalists Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and James Beattie will all miss the South Africa trip but join up with the squad thereafter.

** David Beckham will travel to South Africa only

*** Owen Hargreaves will miss South Africa and and La Manga but will join up for the other two games as he plays in the German Cup Final on May 30.

More news, stats and reaction to follow...

From Daniel Freedman

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