England chance open to all: Eriksson

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON said England caps have become easier to win than ever before as the Swede revealed he could make more than 11 substitutions in tonight’s friendly against Australia at Upton Park.

Eriksson has already handed out 17 debuts in his 23 games in charge of the national side, with six of those players not yet having won a second cap.

This time he has picked a squad with nine more uncapped players due to a plan to field an experimental second-half side all aged under 26, with Danny Mills as their possible skipper.

Only James Beattie is set to make his debut from the start, but at least four more players including 17-year-old Wayne Rooney, Paul Konchesky, Jermaine Jenas and Paul Robinson will be involved after half-time.

Indeed, if Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole or Paul Scholes fail fitness tests ahead of the game, the chances increase for Francis Jeffers, Matthew Upson, Sean Davis and Scott Parker to be involved as well.

So while the likes of Steve Bruce previously failed to represent their country, it is therefore hard for Eriksson to now dodge the accusation he is effectively devaluing England caps.

Asked if his decision to play his first-team for no more than 45 minutes made it easier than ever to win a first cap, he said: "I might agree.

"But if I decide to play the best team just for 45 minutes, I think that it's more interesting to see a young team in the second-half, rather than a bsecond team. If that makes it easier to have a cap, then I'm sorry. But it's not just a problem for me, it's the same for most of the coaches around Europe."

Skipper David Beckham is not alone in being caught in an invidious position, trapped between the conflicting demands of club and country.

Leaving the likes of Rooney to sink or swim hardly seems fair but Eriksson was keen to treat all clubs the same, whether or not they are involved in FA Cup action this weekend.

He is still hoping to benefit in the first-half from a second sight of Kieron Dyer on the left flank, a look at in-form Lampard in central midfield and an experiment with Beattie alongside Michael Owen.

Meanwhile, Australia's Brett Emerton plans to produce the sparkling performance against England which finally clinches his dream ticket to the Premiership.

The Feyenoord midfielder, the subject of intense speculation linking him to several top-flight clubs in England, has reportedly been close to joining Newcastle.

Although Emerton was giving off positive vibes, a major row yesterday blew up over Harry Kewell's expected inclusion in Farina's starting XI.

The 24-year-old missed Leeds' 1-0 Premiership victory against West Ham on Saturday with a hamstring problem but reported yesterday that his injury was fine.

However, Elland Road director David Walker contested the player's view, insisting he should not play and hinting legal action could follow if he played and then missed club games.