Gareth not forgotten

With Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate ruled out through injury on Sunday, for Wednesday's friendly against Croatia, it was possible that Eriksson would call up the Boro captain, but instead he picked Birmingham's Matthew Upson.

Many feared that it could signal the end for Southgate who has won over 50 caps for the national side.

However Eriksson said this afternoon "It's a friendly game and I know what Southgate can do. I haven't forgotten him."

A similar situation arose earlier this year when Southgate was left out of Eriksson's highly experimental squad against Australia. It is perhaps another opportunity for Eriksson to test the water with some young blood.