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 confirmed he will play his strongest team against Denmark on Wednesday night and will partner Jermain Defoe upfront alongside Wayne Rooney.

Michael Owen is suspended for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Wales, so Eriksson is taking the opportunity to see his new strike-force in action.

Eriksson also confirmed that Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips did not travel with the party to Copenhagen as he is ruled out with a swollen knee.

Eriksson said: "I will play the best team that can play against Wales. That means Michael Owen will not start and Jermain Defoe will.

"It is not a difficult decision for me because this game is good preparation for the games against Wales and Northern Ireland.

"Jermain Defoe has looked very sharp and has good finishing, and did very well in training yesterday. He can play alongside Wayne Rooney.

"This is a very good chance for Jermain to show he can play against Wales. He has to show that against Denmark.

"It is more difficult for me to see who is in sharp form in August because they have only played one league game.

"But these eleven players are the best that we had in the country at the end of last season.

"Shaun had a swollen knee this morning so he stayed in England. All the other players are fit to play."