Eriksson’s wish

Sven-Goran Eriksson is hoping Rio Ferdinand will have his drugs ban cut so he can play for England at Euro 2004 this summer.

The Manchester United defender’s appeal against his eight-month suspension for missing a drugs test will start on Thursday.

And Eriksson will join Alex Ferguson in crossing his fingers for a favourable verdict for Ferdinand.

He said: “Of course I hope (that his ban is reduced).

“I don’t know what’s going to happen but if he could have a lesser punishment, I would be happy.”

“If that’s fair or not, I will leave for the other people to decide.”