McManaman England prospects look bleak

Steve McManaman could have played his last game for England, according to assistant head coach Tord Grip.

Steve McManaman could have played his last game for England, according to assistant head coach Tord Grip.

The Real Madrid midfielder is seen by some as a solution to England's left-sided problems, but Grip claims the former Liverpool midfielder has yet to impress since Eriksson took charge of the national side.

"As far as McManaman is concerned, he has never played a really good game for England," said Grip. "He is not being considered for selection at the moment, and with what is happening I don't see him being in any of the upcoming squads".

According to The Daily Mirror, Grip told Swedish television: "We know that he is at Real, who are one of the biggest teams in the world. But he doesn't have a first-team jersey there and he has to have that first before he can even be considered.

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"We also don't see him very often, which makes it even harder for him".

McManaman last played for his country as a late substitute in the final World Cup qualifier against Greece in October 2001.

Grip also said he felt England's goalkeeping future was safe.

There has been some concern over veteran keeper David Seaman, following his injury problems and some errors, but Grip feels Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland and Paul Robinson at Leeds represent plenty of waiting talent.