No surprises in Eriksson's squad

Eriksson picked the squad that was expected

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Sven Goran Eriksson has made no surprise inclusions to his squad for the friendly against Mexico and the World Cup qualifier in Greece.

As expected Leeds striker Alan Smith and Arsenal defender Martin Keown are recalled.

Ray Parlour and Gareth Southgate also return after missing out last time.

Keown and Aston Villa's Southgate have not been picked before by Eriksson.

Smith's temperament is a concern

"If you are very good when you are 18, you can be a player," said Eriksson's right-hand man, Tord Grip.

"If you are 33, 34 or 35, it makes no difference."

The main concern surrounding Smith was his suspect temperament.

But Grip continued: "He needs to be helped in these things and he will learn.

"But he is still young and you can't take away all these things or he won't be Alan Smith."

Ipswich's Richard Wright, Manchester United's Gary Neville, Sol Campbell of Spurs and West Ham's Frank Lampard all miss out through injury.

Sunderland's Gavin McCann is not picked on this occasion, while team-mate Kevin Phillips is once again overlooked.

United's Andy Cole is suspended for the Greece game after picking up a yellow card in England's 3-1 win over Albania and therefore does not feature.

We have to get used to winning as it gives you confidence

  Tord Grip

Middlesbrough's Ugo Ehiogu does not make the squad.

With Campbell missing through injury, either Keown or Southgate is likely to go straight into the England defence.

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher is set to play some part against Mexico but Grip said that the heavy schedule the Anfield club's players have endured will be taken into account.

"There are some players who need more rest than training, especially the Liverpool players," said Grip.

"They have had an incredible season and then there was extra-time in the Uefa Cup final.

"He (Carragher) has played every game for Liverpool.

"He is a left-back even though he is right-footed, but his defending is very good."

England face Mexico in a friendly at Derby's Pride Park on Friday 25 May, and then face a crucial World Cup match in Greece on Wednesday 6 June.

Grip added: "We don't want to just have a friendly game and think that if we lose, it doesn't matter.

"We are going the right way and we don't want to fall back again. We have to get used to winning as it gives you confidence, just as the good win against Spain did."

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England squad

Ashley Cole, Martin Keown, Ray Parlour, David Seaman (all Arsenal); David James, Gareth Southgate (both Aston Villa); Chris Powell (Charlton); Rio Ferdinand, Nigel Martyn, Alan Smith (all Leeds), Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey (all Liverpool); David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Teddy Sheringham, Nicky Butt, Wes Brown, Phil Neville (all Man Utd); Joe Cole, Michael Carrick (both West Ham); Steve McManaman (Real Madrid).