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Eriksson keeping cards close to chest

07/10/2005

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was his usual equivocal self in today's press conference and again refused to comment on the ongoing centre-back debate.

Reports today have suggested that the Swede's first choice line-up for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier with Austria has changed in the past 24 hours, with Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand said to be now making way for Arsenal's Sol Campbell.

But while this personnel uncertainty dominates the majority of pre-match talk, Eriksson has steadfastly refused to give away who will feature in the crucial match.

"I haven't changed my mind. I will not discuss that subject today. Let's keep it speculation until tomorrow," Eriksson said.

He reiterated how the selection has been one of the toughest he has had to make during his time in the job, even if it has been a pleasing situation to be in.

"We have a lot of extremely good centre-halves and I suppose three of them are top class in the world," he said.

"If I decide not to play with three centre-halves then I have to make a decision and only play two of them.

"If we play well and are winning every match then it is easy to pick the team but we have not been playing as well as we should do and we have to do that tomorrow."

However, while Eriksson remained tight-lipped over who will play in defence, he was in no doubt as to who will lead his side, despite recent trouble surrounding the player's personal match preparation.

"Beckham has been working very well yesterday, very sharp," the England boss added.

"Of course he has some private problems and I hope that goes well but tomorrow he will be on the pitch, captain and fully focused."

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