Hargreaves could hold the fort

The Bayern Munich midfielder was excellent again this week, albeit on the right. He certainly deserves the opportunity to stake a claim for Butt's position in the friendlies with Japan and Iceland that will form England's final preparations for the tournament in Portugal.

Hargreaves is a super young footballer and a terrific athlete. A quick and graceful runner with vision, a good touch and the ability to pass as well as deliver a mean free-kick, he is also a clean and clinical tackler.

Eriksson said he was England's fittest player at the last World Cup and had it not been for that freak collision with Michael Owen during the memorable 1-0 win against Argentina in Sapporo, he seemed destined to emerge as one of the tournament's stars.

He has suffered because of that injury and one or two other problems and has failed to establish himself in the team as a consequence.

'Hargreaves did well on the right side of midfield gainst Sweden,' said Eriksson. 'But I could trust him in the holding role. He has played there many times for Bayern. He is physically strong and in the World Cup he was very fit.'

If calling on Hargreaves might strike Eriksson as adventurous, choosing between John Terry and Jonathan Woodgate for the vacancy alongside Sol Campbell is a decision England's coach says he cannot get wrong. It is, however, one he still needs to make.

The smart money remains on Terry. Strong and dependable, he has developed into a centre half of true international class under Claudio Ranieri's guidance at Chelsea.

Eriksson appeared to agree after the 1-0 defeat in Gothenburg, even arguing that the one slight weakness in Terry's game was not something that should concern England when faced with France's supersonic flyers, Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet.

'Terry is a young Tony Adams,' said the Swede. 'He has spirit, he's strong and he is not slow. He's not the quickest in the world but he is quick and very difficult to beat.

'Against Thierry Henry you have to be careful, but the good thing is that the players know Henry. Terry would have played him four or five times by the end of the season and Sol Campbell faces him in training at Arsenal every day.'

Terry excelled in Turkey last October and his positional intelligence was again in evidence against the Swedes at the Ullevi Stadium. Like Adams, he reads the game well. His pace, or rather lack of it, should not prove a problem.

In Woodgate, Eriksson knows he does have someone who is fabulously quick and the Swede values such assets on the international stage. It will be interesting to see just how much exposure Woodgate is given when England meet Japan and Iceland.

Working against Woodgate, however, is the fact that David James has spoken of the confidence Terry gives him, while Campbell is also thought to be happy with the Chelsea man at his side. When it comes to finding the perfect replacement for the suspended Rio Ferdinand, Eriksson would do well to discuss the issue with them.

Woodgate's international career has been disrupted by injuries and off-field problems and he still seems to be a little way short of his best at Newcastle. 'It's not my decision,' said Woodgate when asked about his duel with Terry. 'It's up to the manager, but hopefully I can make a case by playing well for my club.'

Outside the starting line-up, Eriksson appears to be clear in his thoughts.

He says he has it in mind to take only four strikers, which is good news for Joe Cole and rather more disappointing for Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith. Defoe, it seems, is one for the future, unless Michael Owen or Darius Vassell suffers misfortune.

Emile Heskey's form has been indifferent of late but Eriksson likes the physical presence the Liverpool forward can provide and as the only six-footer among England's leading strikers, his place is guaranteed.

'Heskey is always very useful because he's physically strong and wins the ball up the front,' said Eriksson. 'I know he hasn't scored many goals for England but he's been important in many games for us.'

Eriksson plans to announce his squad on May 17 and then has until June 3 to change his mind. That, however, should be the easy bit. Getting it right 10 days later in Lisbon is when it will really count.