Eriksson finally lives out American dream

Yankee Doodle Svennis? It nearly happened, revealed Sven Goran Eriksson last night. The England manager was approached by the Americans to manage their team ahead of the 1994 World Cup. The United States, being tournament hosts, were seeking an experienced foreign coach and Eriksson, then at Sampdoria, was sounded out. He rejected the inquiry and the US went with Bora Milutinovic, who steered them to the knock-out stages."

Yankee Doodle Svennis? It nearly happened, revealed Sven Goran Eriksson last night. The England manager was approached by the Americans to manage their team ahead of the 1994 World Cup. The United States, being tournament hosts, were seeking an experienced foreign coach and Eriksson, then at Sampdoria, was sounded out. He rejected the inquiry and the US went with Bora Milutinovic, who steered them to the knock-out stages."

England at that time were dispensing with Graham Taylor and appointing Terry Venables, having failed to qualify for the World Cup. A decade on Eriksson is finally working across the pond, but with England, in preparation for the 2006 tournament.

Had Eriksson gone to America he would probably have been accorded greater respect than he has in England but there are signs that the tide is finally turning back in his favour. Saturday's victory over the US underlined the depth of the English game with Kieran Richardson making a stunning debut.

The midfielder is, however, unlikely to make tomorrow's match against Colombia, a match which will test Eriksson's powers of improvisation.

But even with last night's addition of David Beckham and Michael Owen, England may still be down to 14 fit outfield players. Sol Campbell's season looks to be over after he twisted his ankle, as does Richardson's following a hamstring strain. Ashley Cole also has a hamstring problem but may play. The player Eriksson is most anxious to see in action, though, is Peter Crouch. The Southampton striker would have made his international debut on Saturday but for suffering a reaction to a collision with Campbell in training on Friday night which left him with a sore ankle. "It is very disappointing that he was unable to play," Eriksson said. "He will play against Colombia if he is fit."

"Every half hour I have my ankle in ice," Crouch said. "Hopefully, I'll be able to play some part. I've been feeling good in training and enjoying it so to miss out was gutting. I know I might not get many more chances. I knew I had these couple of games to impress, and I was desperate to do that."

If Crouch does not play he will have to wait until August for a debut when England play Denmark. Which division Crouch will be playing in then is unclear and Eriksson added: "I will see what he is doing [on the pitch] before the Denmark game but I want to see him play for us."

Campbell's absence is likely to mean a first start for Zat Knight. The Fulham defender was barely on the England radar but the absence of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ledley King, Jamie Carragher, Jonathan Woodgate, Matthew Upson and, now, Campbell means he is likely to partner Brown against Colombia.

"I was quite surprised to get the call-up," admitted Knight, who had a holiday in Florida booked. "Fulham have not been doing too well this season and we are not very high-profile but a lack of centre-halves has given me a chance." He is Fulham's first England international since the World Cup winner, George Cohen.

Colombia may not be among the World Cup qualification places in their regional group but Eriksson is under no illusion as to the problems they pose.

"They will be very different to America," Eriksson said. "There will be no long balls. They are technically very good and will try and keep the ball. You have to keep your shape when defending against them or you will never get the ball." Which is not what a depleted England want at the end of a long season.