Sven names Woodgate, Bowyer in squad

Leeds United duo Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer were today named in the England squad for this weekend¿s friendly international…

Leeds United duo Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer were today named in the England squad for this weekend¿s friendly international against Portugal at Villa Park.

Both players had not previously been considered for selection following their involvement in a court case that followed an attack on a student in Leeds city centre.

Woodgate, who has represented his country once before, was cleared for selection at the start of this season after serving his 100-hour community service sentence for affray.

Bowyer was cleared of all legal charges but was not previously picked by manager Sven-Goran Eriksson for footballing reasons.

READ MORE

They are joined in the squad by Elland Road team-mates Paul Robinson, Alan Smith and Danny Mills. Veteran goalkeepers David Seaman and Nigel Martyn have been dropped.

Liverpool midfielders Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy return to the international scene after missing the World Cup through injury.

Goalkeepers:David James (West Ham), Paul Robinson (Leeds)

Defenders:Danny Mills (Leeds), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Michael Bridge (Southampton), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Jonathan Woodgate (Leeds)

Midfielders:David Beckham (Man Utd), Nicky Butt (Man Utd), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle), Trevor Sinclair (West Ham), Danny Murphy (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich/Ger), Lee Bowyer (Leeds), Joe Cole (West Ham)

Forwards:Michael Owen (Liverpool), Emile Heskey (Liverpool), Alan Smith (Leeds).