Soccer: Woodgate misses out

Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate was tonight ruled out of the World Cup after not being considered for selection for next week’s friendly against Italy.

The reasoning behind the move not to pick the centre-back in the wake of his conviction for affray was understood to be for his own benefit to prevent pressure on him, as well as to ensure the squad’s preparations were not adversely affected.

Indeed, Woodgate will not be considered for England selection again until the start of next season, ruling him out of this summer’s tournament.

This is said to have been a collective decision taken by Sven-Goran Eriksson, his right-hand man Tord Grip and FA chief executive Adam Crozier.

The 22-year-old defender was suspended from international selection after being charged with assault and affray in March 2000 following an attack on student Sarfraz Najeib.

The policy was continued while he carried out a 100-hour community service punishment after being found guilty of the affray charge.

However, he completed the sentence a couple of weeks ago and this meant the sensitive subject had to be reviewed ahead of next Wednesday’s game at Elland Road.

Eriksson discussed the situation with Crozier in midweek after changing plans to attend Arsenal’s Champions League tie at Juventus.