Eriksson says Bowyer, Cole omitted on form

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON reassured Lee Bowyer that he was not omitted from the England squad because his “face does not fit” as he predicted a bright international future for Joe Cole.

Eriksson spoke out after Bowyer and Cole had missed out on call-ups for the start of the Euro 2004 qualifiers, even though Danny Murphy and Trevor Sinclair were injured.

Blackburn's David Thompson has instead been picked, prompting speculation as to why, after waiting two years to call up Bowyer amid his legal problems, Eriksson has now immediately dropped the Leeds midfielder.