Sven Goran Eriksson’s 1st England Squad
Following being named as England’s first foreign coach in their International history Sven Goran Eriksson named a 27 man squad for their friendly game against Spain in March 2001.
With England languishing in their group having being defeated by Germany and only capable of drawing in Finland, the three lions found themselves in need of rebuilding if they were to be at World Cup 2002. Finding themselves homeless due to the reconstruction of Wembley, the nation found itself playing their first game on the road against perennial underachievers Spain under the flood lights at Villa Park.
The nation was apprehensive not only about England’s apparent failures under Kevin Keegan but also the impact that Swede Eriksson could make. A fresh approach to the team was needed as several of England’s old heads were left out in favour of some rising stars. The game turned out to be a dream debut for Sven who’s England side won by a comfortable three goals to nil before setting off on their unforgettable journey to Korea and Japan.
England and Sven’s story however did not have a happy ending and with the side not being able to go further than a quarter final in any of the following three tournaments he managed in the Swede left after the World Cup in 2006 to return to club management. But what ever happened to the players Sven selected for his first squad?
With England languishing in their group having being defeated by Germany and only capable of drawing in Finland, the three lions found themselves in need of rebuilding if they were to be at World Cup 2002. Finding themselves homeless due to the reconstruction of Wembley, the nation found itself playing their first game on the road against perennial underachievers Spain under the flood lights at Villa Park.
The nation was apprehensive not only about England’s apparent failures under Kevin Keegan but also the impact that Swede Eriksson could make. A fresh approach to the team was needed as several of England’s old heads were left out in favour of some rising stars. The game turned out to be a dream debut for Sven who’s England side won by a comfortable three goals to nil before setting off on their unforgettable journey to Korea and Japan.
England and Sven’s story however did not have a happy ending and with the side not being able to go further than a quarter final in any of the following three tournaments he managed in the Swede left after the World Cup in 2006 to return to club management. But what ever happened to the players Sven selected for his first squad?
David James (Then: Aston Villa, Now: Portsmouth)
Starting off as a stand in for David Seaman during Sven’s first friendly, James took little time after the Arsenal keeper retired to establish himself as number one. Going on the represent England at Euro 2004, James was replaced by Paul Robinson but after a move to Portsmouth from Manchester City he has recently been recalled to the squad by Steve Maclaren.
Philip Neville (Then: Manchester United, Now: Everton)
A regular squad player under Sven, Neville’s first team opportunities at United became increasingly limited with the progression of O’Shea and the purchase of several other specialist defenders. The utility player moved to Everton at the beginning of 2005 where he is now club captain and still finds himself a regular call up due to his versatility.
Chris Powell (Then: Charlton, Now: Watford)
A surprise call up by Eriksson, Powell played against Spain and also in two other qualifiers before injury as well as the emergence of Ashley Cole cost him a place at International level. Returning to the Premiership last season with Watford, Powell’s left foot helped the balance of the England side.
Nicky Butt (Then: Manchester United, Now: Newcastle)
Another player who found himself surplus to requirements after coming through the youth system, Butt was also gained regular call ups by Sven during his reign as manager. Producing some superb performances during the World Cup he now plays for Newcastle but has struggled to make his way back into the set up since 2002.
Rio Ferdinand (Then: Leeds United, Now: Manchester United)
A mainstay of the Eriksson era, Ferdinand was called into the team by the Swede as a tender youngster looking to build himself a successful career. Following financial difficulties at Leeds, he was sold to Manchester United where he has won the Premiership and the FA Cup.
Sol Campbell (Then: Arsenal, Now: Portsmouth)
Alongside Campbell he became a number one choice defender for England during Sven’s time in charge. Despite winning the Premiership twice at Arsenal, Campbell’s club form began to suffer and he was released at the beginning of last season. He is now at Portsmouth where he has re-established himself as an excellent defender and has also earned an International recall by Sven’s former number two.
David Beckham (Then: Manchester United, Now: Los Angeles Galaxy)
The superstar midfielder has undergone as many changes as the England team in the six years since Sven gave him the captain’s armband. Winning the Premiership at Manchester United he soon found himself dropped and sold to Real Madrid where despite three years of trying he only claimed the La Liga title in 2006. Part way through last season Beckham found himself dropped from the squad following poor performance at the World Cup though he soon found his way back into the team and is currently establishing himself as a Major League Soccer player after agreeing a deal to sign for LA Galaxy.
Paul Scholes (Then: Manchester United, Now: Manchester United)
The talented midfielder also became a mainstay of the Sven era in charge before he retired from International football in 2005. Scoring vital goals along the way for England and Manchester United he still wears the red of Old Trafford despite his advancing years. Injury robbed him of the whole of the 2005/6 season before he returned the following year to aid United to win back the Premiership.
Andy Cole (Then: Manchester United, Now: Free Agent)
A regular call up by Sven, Cole established himself as England’s second striker alongside Owen in the run to 2002 but found himself left out following the World Cup. Despite his impressive club record Cole only hit the net once for England and with the emergence of Wayne Rooney on both the International and club scene Cole joined Manchester City before a short spell at Portsmouth last season. Currently he does not have a club after leaving the South Coast but is expected to team up with Dwight Yorke and Roy Keane at Sunderland this season.
Michael Owen (Then: Liverpool, Now: Newcastle)
Owen’ fledgling International career continued to prosper under Eriksson during the qualification campaign he helped himself to some vital goals as he targeted Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 goals. At club level Owen won several trophies with Liverpool before getting a chance to move to Madrid where he struggled to get as much playing time as he needed to make an impact. He returned to England in 2005 as a Newcastle player but suffered an injury at World Cup 2006 which has prevented him from appearing regularly at club or country level.
Nick Barmby (Then: Liverpool, Now: Hull City)
Eriksson’s solution to the left sided problem, Barmby played a vital role in helping England qualify for the World Cup and also scored the opening goal of Sven’s reign against Spain. Surplus to requirements during the final seasons at Liverpool Barmby joined Leeds until they were relegated, choosing to return to his home town Hull where he currently plays.
Nigel Martyn (Then: Leeds, Now: Retired)
Leeds’s first choice goalkeeper found himself third choice in the national set up and was soon displaced at his club by an emerging Paul Robinson. He retired in 2004 as Leeds began to struggle and was replaced by his club deputy in the International squad.
Ugo Ehiogu (Then: Middlesbrough, Now: Leeds)
Ehiogu also scored on Sven’s debut at Villa park but failed to add to his International potential as injuries took their toll and the likes Ledley King and Jonathon Woodgate soon filled his void all to successfully for him to continue to be part of the setup.
Emile Heskey (Then: Liverpool, Now: Wigan)
The powerful forward made huge strides under Eriksson when he was in charge of England and even rewarded the Swede by scoring against Spain. Heskey played a huge role in England’s qualification for the World Cup and also scored against Denmark in the second round. Poor form forced Heskey’s career to stutter as he joined Birmingham and then moved to Wigan in a bid to get himself re-involved.
Frank Lampard (Then: West Ham, Now: Chelsea)
Little more than a squad player at the beginning or Eriksson’s reign, Lampard’s move to Chelsea coincided with him becoming more involved for England. He missed out on the World Cup squad in 2002 but made it to Euro 2004 playing an integral part in the nation’s successes.
Michael Ball (Then: Everton, Now: Manchester City)
A surprise call up to the squad, Ball’s talents as a left sided player were used to great effect in his sort time with England. Identified to take over the problem position Ball had difficulties with injuries before he transferred to PSV and fell of the International radar. He currently plays his football under the Swede at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Gavin McCann (Then: Sunderland, Now: Bolton)
McCann was possibly the most unknown of all the uncapped players to be called into Sven’s first squad. He only made one appearance under the Swede but became an important part of a solid Aston Villa side until he was sold to Bolton by Martin O’Neil.
Gary Neville (Then: Manchester United, Now: Manchester United)
Solid and reliable as ever Gary Neville continued to grown into one of the countries most consistent performers under Sven. He played ever game of qualifying but missed out on the World Cup due to injury; he did however help England gain a place at Euro 2004 as well as continuing an excellent club connection with David Beckham.
Wes Brown (Then: Manchester United, Now: Manchester United)
Brown’s potential as a central defender and as a right back was tested by Eriksson and although he did not play a part in the first game against Spain he was a frequent call up to the squad. At club level he was however moved down the pecking order by Rio Ferdinand and struggled to break through as a Manchester United regular until Rio found himself suspended for missing a drugs test.
Kevin Phillips (Then: Sunderland, Now: West Brom)
Sven heeded supporters calls to include Phillips in the national set up as had Kevin Keegan. He was also not involved in the game against Spain but played several times on the route to qualification. Unfortunately for his international career Phillip’s efforts were in vain as he failed to hit the back of the net wearing the three lions and soon found himself playing in the Championship.
Ashley Cole (Then: Arsenal, Now: Chelsea)
The then emerging Arsenal defender earned his first call up from Sven after some impressive performances in 2001. As part of the team which won the double that year Cole became a consistent member of the squad and was heavily involved in both the build up and the World Cup itself.
Teddy Sheringham (Then: Spurs, Now: Colchester)
One of the elder statesmen of the England team, Sheringham gave way to younger legs in the friendly against Spain but alongside Alan Shearer and Michael Owen scored some vital goals on the road to qualification.
Jamie Carragher (Then: Liverpool, Now: Liverpool)
Helping to stabilize the fortunes of Liverpool, Carragher became a firm favourite for England under Eriksson, not just as a defender but also in central midfield. He was not able to break the dominance of Campbell and Ferdinand and suffered from playing as a left back at Liverpool but having a preference for playing at the heart of the backline.
Richard Wright (Then: Arsenal, Now: West Ham)
Second choice behind David Seaman at Arsenal back then and fourth choice for his country Richard Wright’s prospects looked extremely promising. A lack of first team action at Arsenal as well as a series of injuries saw him move on to Everton where he was also a second choice. He moved to West Ham in the summer and will be hoping to re-establish himself.
Joe Cole (Then: West Ham, Now: Chelsea)
At the start of Sven’s reign Cole harnessed all the potential to be a world beater, having made his way into first team recognition, Cole more often then not filled the void on the left of midfield although he was used mostly from the bench on the way to the World Cup in 2002.
Starting off as a stand in for David Seaman during Sven’s first friendly, James took little time after the Arsenal keeper retired to establish himself as number one. Going on the represent England at Euro 2004, James was replaced by Paul Robinson but after a move to Portsmouth from Manchester City he has recently been recalled to the squad by Steve Maclaren.
Philip Neville (Then: Manchester United, Now: Everton)
A regular squad player under Sven, Neville’s first team opportunities at United became increasingly limited with the progression of O’Shea and the purchase of several other specialist defenders. The utility player moved to Everton at the beginning of 2005 where he is now club captain and still finds himself a regular call up due to his versatility.
Chris Powell (Then: Charlton, Now: Watford)
A surprise call up by Eriksson, Powell played against Spain and also in two other qualifiers before injury as well as the emergence of Ashley Cole cost him a place at International level. Returning to the Premiership last season with Watford, Powell’s left foot helped the balance of the England side.
Nicky Butt (Then: Manchester United, Now: Newcastle)
Another player who found himself surplus to requirements after coming through the youth system, Butt was also gained regular call ups by Sven during his reign as manager. Producing some superb performances during the World Cup he now plays for Newcastle but has struggled to make his way back into the set up since 2002.
Rio Ferdinand (Then: Leeds United, Now: Manchester United)
A mainstay of the Eriksson era, Ferdinand was called into the team by the Swede as a tender youngster looking to build himself a successful career. Following financial difficulties at Leeds, he was sold to Manchester United where he has won the Premiership and the FA Cup.
Sol Campbell (Then: Arsenal, Now: Portsmouth)
Alongside Campbell he became a number one choice defender for England during Sven’s time in charge. Despite winning the Premiership twice at Arsenal, Campbell’s club form began to suffer and he was released at the beginning of last season. He is now at Portsmouth where he has re-established himself as an excellent defender and has also earned an International recall by Sven’s former number two.
David Beckham (Then: Manchester United, Now: Los Angeles Galaxy)
The superstar midfielder has undergone as many changes as the England team in the six years since Sven gave him the captain’s armband. Winning the Premiership at Manchester United he soon found himself dropped and sold to Real Madrid where despite three years of trying he only claimed the La Liga title in 2006. Part way through last season Beckham found himself dropped from the squad following poor performance at the World Cup though he soon found his way back into the team and is currently establishing himself as a Major League Soccer player after agreeing a deal to sign for LA Galaxy.
Paul Scholes (Then: Manchester United, Now: Manchester United)
The talented midfielder also became a mainstay of the Sven era in charge before he retired from International football in 2005. Scoring vital goals along the way for England and Manchester United he still wears the red of Old Trafford despite his advancing years. Injury robbed him of the whole of the 2005/6 season before he returned the following year to aid United to win back the Premiership.
Andy Cole (Then: Manchester United, Now: Free Agent)
A regular call up by Sven, Cole established himself as England’s second striker alongside Owen in the run to 2002 but found himself left out following the World Cup. Despite his impressive club record Cole only hit the net once for England and with the emergence of Wayne Rooney on both the International and club scene Cole joined Manchester City before a short spell at Portsmouth last season. Currently he does not have a club after leaving the South Coast but is expected to team up with Dwight Yorke and Roy Keane at Sunderland this season.
Michael Owen (Then: Liverpool, Now: Newcastle)
Owen’ fledgling International career continued to prosper under Eriksson during the qualification campaign he helped himself to some vital goals as he targeted Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 goals. At club level Owen won several trophies with Liverpool before getting a chance to move to Madrid where he struggled to get as much playing time as he needed to make an impact. He returned to England in 2005 as a Newcastle player but suffered an injury at World Cup 2006 which has prevented him from appearing regularly at club or country level.
Nick Barmby (Then: Liverpool, Now: Hull City)
Eriksson’s solution to the left sided problem, Barmby played a vital role in helping England qualify for the World Cup and also scored the opening goal of Sven’s reign against Spain. Surplus to requirements during the final seasons at Liverpool Barmby joined Leeds until they were relegated, choosing to return to his home town Hull where he currently plays.
Nigel Martyn (Then: Leeds, Now: Retired)
Leeds’s first choice goalkeeper found himself third choice in the national set up and was soon displaced at his club by an emerging Paul Robinson. He retired in 2004 as Leeds began to struggle and was replaced by his club deputy in the International squad.
Ugo Ehiogu (Then: Middlesbrough, Now: Leeds)
Ehiogu also scored on Sven’s debut at Villa park but failed to add to his International potential as injuries took their toll and the likes Ledley King and Jonathon Woodgate soon filled his void all to successfully for him to continue to be part of the setup.
Emile Heskey (Then: Liverpool, Now: Wigan)
The powerful forward made huge strides under Eriksson when he was in charge of England and even rewarded the Swede by scoring against Spain. Heskey played a huge role in England’s qualification for the World Cup and also scored against Denmark in the second round. Poor form forced Heskey’s career to stutter as he joined Birmingham and then moved to Wigan in a bid to get himself re-involved.
Frank Lampard (Then: West Ham, Now: Chelsea)
Little more than a squad player at the beginning or Eriksson’s reign, Lampard’s move to Chelsea coincided with him becoming more involved for England. He missed out on the World Cup squad in 2002 but made it to Euro 2004 playing an integral part in the nation’s successes.
Michael Ball (Then: Everton, Now: Manchester City)
A surprise call up to the squad, Ball’s talents as a left sided player were used to great effect in his sort time with England. Identified to take over the problem position Ball had difficulties with injuries before he transferred to PSV and fell of the International radar. He currently plays his football under the Swede at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Gavin McCann (Then: Sunderland, Now: Bolton)
McCann was possibly the most unknown of all the uncapped players to be called into Sven’s first squad. He only made one appearance under the Swede but became an important part of a solid Aston Villa side until he was sold to Bolton by Martin O’Neil.
Gary Neville (Then: Manchester United, Now: Manchester United)
Solid and reliable as ever Gary Neville continued to grown into one of the countries most consistent performers under Sven. He played ever game of qualifying but missed out on the World Cup due to injury; he did however help England gain a place at Euro 2004 as well as continuing an excellent club connection with David Beckham.
Wes Brown (Then: Manchester United, Now: Manchester United)
Brown’s potential as a central defender and as a right back was tested by Eriksson and although he did not play a part in the first game against Spain he was a frequent call up to the squad. At club level he was however moved down the pecking order by Rio Ferdinand and struggled to break through as a Manchester United regular until Rio found himself suspended for missing a drugs test.
Kevin Phillips (Then: Sunderland, Now: West Brom)
Sven heeded supporters calls to include Phillips in the national set up as had Kevin Keegan. He was also not involved in the game against Spain but played several times on the route to qualification. Unfortunately for his international career Phillip’s efforts were in vain as he failed to hit the back of the net wearing the three lions and soon found himself playing in the Championship.
Ashley Cole (Then: Arsenal, Now: Chelsea)
The then emerging Arsenal defender earned his first call up from Sven after some impressive performances in 2001. As part of the team which won the double that year Cole became a consistent member of the squad and was heavily involved in both the build up and the World Cup itself.
Teddy Sheringham (Then: Spurs, Now: Colchester)
One of the elder statesmen of the England team, Sheringham gave way to younger legs in the friendly against Spain but alongside Alan Shearer and Michael Owen scored some vital goals on the road to qualification.
Jamie Carragher (Then: Liverpool, Now: Liverpool)
Helping to stabilize the fortunes of Liverpool, Carragher became a firm favourite for England under Eriksson, not just as a defender but also in central midfield. He was not able to break the dominance of Campbell and Ferdinand and suffered from playing as a left back at Liverpool but having a preference for playing at the heart of the backline.
Richard Wright (Then: Arsenal, Now: West Ham)
Second choice behind David Seaman at Arsenal back then and fourth choice for his country Richard Wright’s prospects looked extremely promising. A lack of first team action at Arsenal as well as a series of injuries saw him move on to Everton where he was also a second choice. He moved to West Ham in the summer and will be hoping to re-establish himself.
Joe Cole (Then: West Ham, Now: Chelsea)
At the start of Sven’s reign Cole harnessed all the potential to be a world beater, having made his way into first team recognition, Cole more often then not filled the void on the left of midfield although he was used mostly from the bench on the way to the World Cup in 2002.