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13 November 2004
Exclusive: Tord on the England squad 
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Neither made it into Sven’s squad to face Spain and injury kept Johnson out of Palace's match against Liverpool that Grip watched, but both have caught the eye of the England coach this season.

“Andrew Johnson was very close but we decided not to bring him in this time,” Tord told TheFA.com in an exclusive interview, having made the trip to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s a little bit too early and now we have time to watch him more before our next game which is at home in England at Villa Park.

“He’s been terrific so far. If he goes on like this, he is certain to be in the squad to face Holland in February.”

Tord also had some encouraging words for Stewart Downing, the young Middlesbrough flyer who will link up with Peter Taylor’s Under-21 side.

“He looks very good and against Lazio he was excellent. It might be better for him to go with the Under-21s this time though. It was something that Sven, Steve McClaren and Peter Taylor all discussed together.”

Robert Green, Ledley King, Sol Campbell and Darius Vassell are the players unavailable for this squad but one man who returns from injury is Chelsea’s Wayne Bridge. Grip says there is every chance that Wayne may get another opportunity to work with Ashley Cole down the left flank.

“I am looking forward to seeing him again,” says Tord. “I think Sven would be happy to see him and Ashley playing again together.”

Sol Campbell is missing from the squad through injury, but according to Grip, the presence of John Terry softens that blow.

“Sol is one of the best central defenders in Europe,” he says “but I think we have one as good as him at the moment. That is John Terry.

“He looks like a leader and I think he will be that for many years.”

England’s own captain David Beckham returns and Tord says they’ll be looking at his fitness on Sunday night.

“He might play or he might not play on Sunday, as he has just started training. We’ll see what happens and take it from there.

“It should be very nice for him to play at the Bernabeu and for Michael Owen too.”