Sven hails Terry as heir to Adams

Terry and Jonathan Woodgate started an international together for the first time and although the Newcastle centre-back produced one of England's rare scoring chances with a first-half header, Terry's defensive contribution bristled with purpose and determination.

"He's like a young Tony Adams," said Eriksson of the 23-year-old.

In the world of central defenders, there is no finer complement.

"He's got spirit and he's strong," added the England coach. "He's not the quickest in the world but he's difficult to beat, very difficult." Eriksson may have noticed that on the three occasions the Chelsea centre-half has faced Henry this season, the Frenchman has failed to score. They are due to meet again in the Champions League at Highbury next Tuesday.

Terry, who made his debut as a substitute against Serbia & Montenegro in June, has been in the starting line-up in six of England's last seven games and is certain to be in the Euro 2004 squad that Eriksson names on 17 May.

The Swede must already know the make-up of his party, though whether that will now include Defoe remains to be seen. The Tottenham striker certainly did his prospects no harm in a low-key encounter with Sweden but I suspect he will not be going to Portugal in June.

Eriksson's track record suggests faith in those who have served him well in the past. In this respect, Darius Vassell may not be an automatic first choice but he has proved an invaluable substitute.

The Aston Villa striker was in the starting line-up for England's opening World Cup tie against Sweden in Saitama in 2002 and was first choice again in Gothenburg last night.

However, a 12thminute injury allowed the 21-yearold Defoe to replace Vassell and he enjoyed an extended run rather than the planned secondhalf cameo appearance.

"Jermain did quite well and he certainly has a long-term future at this level but whether he will be used in the immediate future depends on the form and fitness of the other strikers," said Eriksson. "At the moment, I have it in mind to take four strikers to Portugal."

Assuming they are fit, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney are certain to go. Eriksson also likes Emile Heskey. "He's very useful because he's physically big and strong and has played many important games," he said of the Liverpool man.

That leaves one place for Vassell and Defoe to fight over. My guess is that Defoe will be disappointed.

Quick and bright, he set up a chance that Rooney turned against a post and then completed a surging run with a shot that Magnus Kihlstedt saved.

Owen Hargreaves, busy and energetic, struck a free-kick against the bar and the pugnacious Rooney forced a shooting opportunity that bounced off the outstretched leg of the goalkeeper. The best chance, though, fell to Joe Cole - one of eight England substitutes - in injury time.

He covered a lot of ground without achieving much in his 30 minutes on the pitch and when he had a late opportunity to equalise he sliced his shot yards wide from close range.

At least Cole retains a chance of going to Portugal, unlike Celtic's Alan Thompson, who may well have played his first and last England game last night.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic relieved the monotony of it all and extended Sweden's unbeaten run against England with the only goal in the 54th minute. The locals were delighted and some reckoned that if England were among the Euro 2004 favourites, Sweden had to be as well.

But coach Lars Lagerback summed up the night perfectly when he said: "We should remember that most of Sven's best players were at home in England."

Sven smiled when he said that.