Woodgate pulls out of England squad

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON intends to field his strongest possible line-up against Argentina in Geneva on Saturday, although he is definitely without Ashley Cole, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves, Kieron Dyer and probably Jamie Carragher.

Jonathan Woodgate’s injury jinx returned to haunt him last night as the Real Madrid defender picked up a hamstring problem ruling him out.

Ledley King could play in midfield, with Joe Cole missing out on a starting place, while Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell will battle it out to partner John Terry. Eriksson has described under-fire striker Peter Crouch as a “very special player” and insisted he was on course for a World Cup place despite his lack of goals.