Sven hints at England auditions

Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted at “new faces” in the England squad for next week’s friendly against Ukraine as he looks to put the controversy over his personal life firmly behind him.

The England coach knows there will be considerable pressure on him to achieve creditable results in next month’s opening two games in the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign in Austria and Poland.

He is therefore concerned to ensure that next Wednesday’s friendly in Newcastle gives his players the necessary preparation for two such important ties.

“This is a big game for us. We have important World Cup qualifying matches against Austria and Poland next month, so we must hit the ground running,” he admitted.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting up with the players again. Playing against the Ukraine and players like Sergei Rebrov is the ideal preparation.”

Eriksson nevertheless has selection problems ahead of him, with Wayne Rooney, Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate out injured, while Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge have also had recent fitness problems.