Sven-Goran Eriksson has recalled Chelsea midfiielder Frank Lampard andMiddlesbrough’s cenntral defender Ugo Ehigu, for England’s forthcoming EURO 2004 qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia.
Lamppard comes in for Lee Bowyer who has been dropped from the squad while Ehiogu replaces Rio Ferdinand after the Manchestter United defender withdrew from the squad to undergo exploratory knee surgery.
David Seaman at 39, returns to the squad after being rested for the recent friendly match with Portugal, while Gary Neville, Campbell, Darius Vassell and Scholes are back after injury.
‘Losing Rio is obviously a blow and we all wish him a speedy recovery,’ said Eriksson on the FA’s official website.
‘However, we do have other very good defenders who are in form and it will be a chance for them to show what they can do.
‘Both Ugo and Frank have made very good starts to the season. They are playing well and deserve to be included.
‘These are big games as it’s important to get a good start in qualification. Neither game will be easy so it’s good to have most players fit.’
Squad: Goalkeepers: David Seaman (Arsenal), David James (West Ham United), Paul Robinson (Leeds United)
: Gary Neville (ManchesterUnited), Ugo Ehiogu (Middlesbrough), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Danny Mills (Leeds United), Jonathan Woodgate (Leeds United), Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Wayne Bridge (Southampton)
Midfielders: David Beckham (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Nicky Butt (Manchester United), Paul Scholes (Manchester United), Trevor Sinclair (West Ham United), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United)
Forwards: Emile Heskey (Liverpool), Michael Owen (Liverpool), Darius Vassell (Aston Villa), Alan Smith (Leeds United)
