Fresh international start for Bowyer and Woodgate

LEE BOWYER and Jonathan Woodgate are both determined to forge a new-found future with England as they look to leave behind their troubled past.

The Leeds duo have finally been given the opportunity by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to prove themselves on the international stage, with both named in a 20-man squad for this Saturday’s friendly against Portugal at Villa Park.

The call-ups bring the curtain down on a prolonged spell in the wilderness for it was January 2000 when they were banned by the Football Association from representing their country.

Their arrests on charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and affray in relation to an assault on Asian student Sarfraz Najeib, led to an infamous trial and subsequent re-trial which eventually reached a conclusion in December last year.

Bowyer was cleared of all charges, while Woodgate was found guilty of the lesser offence and ordered to serve 100 hours’ community service, which he completed earlier this year.

The way is now clear for both men, with 25-year-old midfielder Bowyer poised to make his England debut.