Anxious Eriksson awaits news of England’s walking wounded

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON is anxiously waiting to discover whether England’s leading clubs abide by his ‘new approach’ to the treatment of his players.

Eriksson travelled to Old Trafford yesterday espousing the virtues of England men linking up with the national squad even when they are not fully fit to wipe away any suspicion that the clubs were deliberately holding their key men back. It is not a view shared by Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon and, as he travelled home after watching the 1-1 derby-day draw with City, Eriksson must have been squirming in his seat with news of the groin injury Paul Scholes picked up during the game.

The furore over Scholes’ non-appearance in England’s previous friendly clash with Portugal in September has still not truly gone away. On that occasion, Eriksson was informed by United that Scholes was unavailable for selection due to persistent ankle problems, only to turn up for United’s Premiership encounter with Middlesbrough and find the flame-haired midfielder included in the home line-up.

Ferguson defended his decision and quickly sent Scholes for an operation to clear up the problem, leaving Eriksson to wonder just how committed some Premiership managers are to the England cause.

“Paul has a groin injury, Ryan Giggs has a calf problem and Mikael Silvestre has damaged his Achilles,” said Ferguson, assessing his side’s after-match fitness. “Their respective international coaches will decide what to do.”

Whether Scholes actually travels south has yet to be determined but Eriksson believes in the policy, even if Kenyon strongly disagrees.

Eriksson admitted he was ‘99%’ resigned to losing Emile Heskey, who limped out of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday with a knee injury.

With Leeds’ Alan Smith missing after a viral infection, that leaves Southampton striker James Beattie to partner Michael Owen for the first 45 minutes, with Wayne Rooney set to become the youngest international in England history during the second period when Eriksson is committed to fielding an under-25 side.

England U-21 boss David Platt has had a major influence on Eriksson’s selection and Charlton duo Paul Konchesky and Scott Parker, plus Fulham’s Sean Davis are among those who will make their England debuts, with the manager hoping his approach is welcomed by the home supporters.