Eriksson gives Leeds stars clean slate

SVEN-Goran Eriksson insisted Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer would be given a clean slate after ending their international exile ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Portugal.

The England coach accepts that picking either of the Leeds duo for the World Cup could have overshadowed the preparations of the squad.

There is still the possibility of protests ahead of the game at Villa Park, while both players face the threat of a civil legal action against them.