Smith still has England future, says Sven

ENGLAND coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has played down suggestions Manchester United’s Alan Smith does not have a future with the national team.

Smith, 24, opted to play for United’s reserves on Monday rather than join the England squad in Denmark. FA chief executive Brian Barwick even hinted it could mean the end of his international career. But Eriksson said: “I take the blame and it’s finished now. The door is not closed for Alan Smith, I promise you.”

Jermain Defoe is set to partner Wayne Rooney up front as Michael Owen is suspended for next month’s clash with Wales, while Eriksson revealed Paul Robinson would only play the first half as part of an agreement with Tottenham boss Martin Jol.