27 May 2005
Sven-Goran Eriksson: Press Conference

England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson speaks to the press ahead of England's match against the USA in Chicago.


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Sven-Goran Eriksson has named his England side to face the USA at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday evening.

The team sees Sven hand Sol Campbell the captain's armband for the first time, though the Arsenal defender has captained his country twice before under previous manager Glenn Hoddle.

In defence Glen Johnson makes his full debut on the occasion of his third cap but there is plenty of experience elsewhere in the England rear-guard.

Campbell wins his 65th cap, Ashley Cole is in line for a 40th appearance for England and Manchester United's Wes Brown starts two consecutive England matches for the first time in his career.

Debutant Kieran Richardson is named in midfield alongside Michael Carrick, who will make his first appearance for England since he played against Holland at White Hart Lane in August 2001.

Jermaine Jenas will start for England for only the second time and as such Joe Cole, with 21 caps, is the most experienced member of the midfield.

In attack, there is a full debut for Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson, who came on as a substitute in England's last match against Holland at Villa Park.

Johnson was due to be partnered up front by striker Peter Crouch, who would have also made his England debut, but a late injury in training has ruled teh Southampton man out.

On naming his side, Sven insisted that Andy Johnson, Crouch and Richardson can press their claims for a place in next summer's World Cup squad when they play on Saturday night.

Eriksson, said: "It's good to give them a chance. We know what Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith can do, so it's a good opportunity to see these two guys. I've been impressed by Crouch's quick feet for a boy that tall.''

Midfielder Richardson is another England new boy and Eriksson said: "He is doing very well. The session he did yesterday was fantastic.

"If we had been playing away to Wales in a World Cup qualifier, the team would be different, but when you have the possibility to see young talents in a difficult game against the USA, you should take that opportunity.

"The players have to show that they might be ready for the World Cup next year.''

England v. USA, International Friendly, 28 May 2005

David James - Manchester City
Glen Johnson - Chelsea
Wes Brown - Manchester United
Sol Campbell - Arsenal (captain)
Ashley Cole - Arsenal
Joe Cole - Chelsea
Michael Carrick - Tottenham Hotspur
Jermaine Jenas - Newcastle United
Kieran Richardson - Manchester United
Andy Johnson - Crystal Palace
One other to replace Crouch