Soccer: Heskey gets nod for Sweden match

MIYAZAKI - England manager Sven Goran Eriksson, still with fingers crossed for his recovering captain David Beckham, has confirmed one certain starter for the World Cup opener against Sweden on Sunday - Liverpool striker Emile Heskey.

The England coach has also named Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves as the most likely replacement for Beckham should the Manchester United star lose his battle to recover from a broken bone in his foot in time.

Eriksson is hopeful Beckham, who has not played in nearly seven weeks, will take part in a full training session tomorrow and be able to play part of Sunday's crucial match.

Heskey, who has struggled with his form for both club and country in the run-up to the tournament, has been given a major confidence boost by Eriksson's confirmation that he will start against the Swedes either up front or down the left of midfield.

The powerful forward has not scored for his country since the 5-1 hammering of Germany in Munich in September. But Eriksson dismissed concerns over his form.

"I'm not concerned about Heskey at all, he will play against Sweden," he said. "Maybe I should not come out at this time and say that but I believe in Heskey and what he can do for England."

The form of Darius Vassell, who has scored three times in four international starts, suggests Heskey is more likely to be played down the left. Vassell looked sharp in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Cameroon, neatly tucking away the only chance that came his way against a world class defence.

Most of Eriksson's squad enjoyed a day off yesterday but a handful of players, including Beckham, were seen heading out for the training ground as they battle to shake off the injuries threatening to hobble England's World Cup ambitions.

Eriksson looks likely to opt for the Manchester United pair of Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes in the middle with Hargreaves on the right if Beckham is not ready, although Scholes could face a series of tests to justify his use of a banned medicine for asthma. Scholes uses salbutamol, the active ingredient in an asthma inhaler, which is banned by the medical committee of Fifa.

It was believed a certificate from a team doctor or specialist, given in advance, would be enough to prove Scholes' use of the drug and thus avoid any potential ban. But the Football Association has been told a simple letter explaining the situation is insufficient.

The FA have contacted Fifa and are waiting to hear whether Scholes can use his inhaler during the tournament.



As for the Swedes, they should be back at full strength tomorrow. Injured stars Freddie Ljungberg, Magnus Svensson and Johan Mjallby are all close to recovery. Ljungberg has had back twinges, midfielder Svensson a foot injury and Celtic defender Mjallby has a problem with a shoulder which has required cortisone injections.

- AGENCIES

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