Keown poised to become Sven's man

Martin Keown will tonight have the chance to re-establish himself as an England first choice when he lines up against Mexico in the friendly international at Derby's Pride Park.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will start tonight's match with most of the team he expects to play in the World Cup qualifier against Greece in Athens on 6 June.

With Tottenham's Sol Campbell injured, Eriksson looks certain to recall Arsenal centre-back Keown, who has missed the past three internationals through injury, to partner Rio Ferdinand, of Leeds, at the heart of England's defence.

If he plays, Keown, who will be 35 in July, will win his 37th cap.

Eriksson could field almost two line-ups as he promises a host of changes during tonight's game.

It is likely, though, that he will go for a Liverpool strike force of Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler, with Emile Heskey being preferred to West Ham's Joe Cole on the left.

Manchester United's Phil Neville will replace injured brother Gary at right-back and Arsenal's Ashley Cole, who made an impressive debut in the World Cup win over Albania, is likely to keep his place at left-back.

Eriksson could also start with an all-Manchester United midfield of captain David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt if Liverpool's Steven Gerrard fails to recover from a back injury.