Soccer: Murphy receives first England call-up

Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy received his first call-up to the senior England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Albania.

Murphy is one of seven Liverpool players included in a 25-man squad named by Sven-Goran Eriksson, who omitted Martin Keown and Nicky Butt due to fitness concerns.

David Beckham will join up with the rest of the squad on Tuesday despite coming off at Villa Park with a groin injury today.

Chris Powell and Ugo Ehiogu have lost their places.

David James and Alan Smith are also injured from those included for the friendly against Holland.

There are expected recalls for Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, Steve McManaman and David Seaman.

There is no comeback for Teddy Sheringham, however, and no recall for Kevin Phillips.

Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves has kept his place in the senior squad as expected.

England face Germany in Munich on Saturday and then Albania the following Wednesday at St James' Park.

Eriksson said: "We are faced with two very difficult games but I am positive and feel this is a very strong squad.

"The Germany game is, of course, an extremely tough test for the players but we are looking forward to the challenge. It may be a hard task but it is certainly not an impossible one. We will not be changing our style because we are strong and have confidence in our own ability.

"Everyone knows how important this match is for England but we must not forget the Germans will also be under pressure to perform well at home.

"If we can't beat Germany, a draw would give us one more point and an even stronger chance of finishing runners-up. But for the moment, we should only be thinking about trying to beat them."