Red Devils Duo in England Squad

In Squad
By Chris O'Brien
February 6 2005

Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney are included in England's 24-man squad for the forthcoming home friendly against the Netherlands. The English public will be pleased to see Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing and Crystal Palace's Andrew Johnson selected.

Two Manchester United stars have been named in Sven Goran-Eriksson's latest England squad. Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney are likely to be involved in the international friendly at home to the Netherlands on Wednesday evening, where Villa Park gets a rare opportunity to host international football.

Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith are both absent through injury, whilst a lack of first-team chances mean their is no place for Phillip Neville. Meanwhile, Ruud Van Nistelrooy is still in the treatment room so is not amongst the Dutch players.

Eriksson looks set to hand international debuts to Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing and Palace's Andrew Johnson, both named in the 24-man squad. Downing, once linked to United before hitting the headlines, has been inspirational for 'Boro this term and could solve England's long-term problem on the left-side of midfield. Meanwhile, Johnson has been on fire up front for Palace and should the Eagles stay up, the will undoubtedly have the pacey forward to thank.

"It's very exciting to have players like these coming through and we have this friendly game to take a look at them." said the England manager.

England Squad:

Goalkeepers: Robinson, James, Green.

Defenders: G Neville, A Cole, G Johnson, Carragher, Bridge, King, Terry, Upson.

Midfielders: Beckham, Lampard, Hargreaves, Jenas, J Cole, S Wright- Phillips, Gerrard, Downing, Dyer.

Strikers: Owen, Rooney, Defoe, A Johnson.

Netherlands Squad:

Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar, Henk Timmer.

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz, Wilfried Bouma, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Nigel de Jong, Jan Kromkamp, Joris Mathijsen, Mario Melchiot.

Midfielders: Mark van Bommel, John Heitinga, Denny Landzaat, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart.

Strikers: Romeo Castelen, Dirk Kuijt, Roy Makaay, Ugur Yildirim.