Leeds pair in England wilderness

Peter Taylor is unable to select the Leeds duo

England caretaker coach Peter Taylor will not include Leeds pair Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer for the friendly with Italy.

The Leeds pair are still not being considered for England selection until their court case is heard.

Taylor asked the Football Association what the situation was regarding the selection of the Leeds duo, but the story appears to have been sensationalised in certain parts of the media.

The Leicester City boss decided to put the record straight today, after revealing his first squad of 25 will not include the Leeds players.

"I was disappointed with the way the story came out," Taylor said. "As a temporary manager all I did was ask the FA for guidance on the matter.

"They said they would prefer the players not to be picked and that's the end of the matter as far as I'm concerned."

Still in control

Although England have now revealed Sven-Goran Eriksson as successor to Kevin Keegan, the Leicester boss still expects to be in full control of the friendly against the Italians.

Eriksson is due to take up the reins next July with Tord Grip as his right-hand man, and should he be available beforehand.

Taylor has not had any contact with the Lazio coach, whom he is expected to be working with when the Swede does take the job.

However, Taylor is happy with that arrangement for the time being, so as there are no distractions for himself or Eriksson and Grip.

Taylor said: "I have not spoken to Eriksson although he sent a good luck message to me through Adam Crozier.

To me it would be better if they stayed out of things at the moment as they have enough on their minds

  Peter Taylor

"He might pick up the phone in the near future but as far as I am aware everything is going to plan.

"To me it would be better if they stayed out of things at the moment as they have enough on their minds."

Taylor was back at his desk today just hours after Leicester's shock Worthington Cup defeat by Crystal Palace, and taking everything in his stride.