15 August 2005
Press Conference: Sven-Goran Eriksson

Sven talks to the press shortly after arriving in Copenhagen ahead of the international friendly against Denmark.


Sven-Goran Eriksson has named Joe Cole in his starting line-up to face Denmark after having a heart-to-heart with the Chelsea star.

Head Coach Eriksson is a big fan of the talented midfielder, who is gradually making England’s left-midfield slot his own.

The 23-year-old has a been a regular member of the England squad for several years, and was given further encouragement when Sven insisted recently that he doesn’t have to play every game for Chelsea to keep his place.

Now Cole, who faces a battle against the likes of Damien Duff, Arjen Robben and Shaun Wright-Phillips to get a game at Stamford Bridge, is even happier following a chat with his international boss.

Sven said: "Some of our players are not playing every game for their club but I think that is not a problem. Maybe they would like to play more but on the other hand they will not come tired in May, and that’s very good for England.

"I talked to Joe Cole a little bit about it yesterday and I said ‘don’t be worried, just go on playing football as you did at the end of last season.

"If Chelsea didn’t sell him it means they think he will be very important for them. Otherwise they would have sold him for sure. I know that he will play games for them this season."

England will field a strong side against the Danes and intend to keep a first-choice line-up for at least 45 minutes.

Sven said: "We will change goalkeepers after 45 minutes because that’s an agreement between myself and Martin Jol at Tottenham.

"I don’t know exactly when I will make other changes but I can make six and I will use them all in the second half.

"We have picked a strong team and I expect a good game. The players are not tired as it is only August and they are hungry. It’s World Cup year and they want to show me and my staff that they should belong in a World Cup squad.

"Denmark have good technique and good football players. They have pace up front, so I am looking forward to the game."

Charlton striker Darren Bent could also make his debut as a second half substitute after being called up as a late replacement for injured Andy Johnson.

Sven said: "I saw him many times in the under 21s and he’s quick with good technique."