From Sky
England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has told Sky Sports News he may have to find a holding midfielder before the World Cup finals next summer.
The composition of England's midfield has been the subject of fierce debate over the past twelve months, with doubts raised as to the compatibility of preferred central pairing Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
The extensive attacking talents of the second and third placed finishers in the European Footballer of the Year award have to be reigned in somewhat, with defensive responsibilities paramount at the highest level.
The Swede experimented with Tottenham's Ledley King in a withdrawn role in the 3-2 friendly defeat of Argentina, and has previously indicated he will employ the tactic again against the biggest teams in Germany.
Now Eriksson, who insisted that Lampard and Gerrard can play together at the heart of the team, has stated he has to identify the perfect man for the role, just six months before world football's biggest competition gets underway.
"They can do it - of course they can do it," he told Sky Sports News. "But if we want to have one sitting midfielder then we have to find one.
"It's one area which we are going to look at, that's for sure, because maybe you need it at some stage in the World Cup."
Aside from King, other options include Newcastle's Scott Parker and Manchester United's Alan Smith, whilst Joey Barton's sparkling recent form at Manchester City has led to calls for international recognition.
Whilst Eriksson has already decided on the majority of players who will be making the trip to Germany, he conceded that there was still a chance for hopefuls to get a chance for The Three Lions.
"There's time for other players to knock on the door. I will open it maybe."
How bout CARRICK
England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has told Sky Sports News he may have to find a holding midfielder before the World Cup finals next summer.
The composition of England's midfield has been the subject of fierce debate over the past twelve months, with doubts raised as to the compatibility of preferred central pairing Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
The extensive attacking talents of the second and third placed finishers in the European Footballer of the Year award have to be reigned in somewhat, with defensive responsibilities paramount at the highest level.
The Swede experimented with Tottenham's Ledley King in a withdrawn role in the 3-2 friendly defeat of Argentina, and has previously indicated he will employ the tactic again against the biggest teams in Germany.
Now Eriksson, who insisted that Lampard and Gerrard can play together at the heart of the team, has stated he has to identify the perfect man for the role, just six months before world football's biggest competition gets underway.
"They can do it - of course they can do it," he told Sky Sports News. "But if we want to have one sitting midfielder then we have to find one.
"It's one area which we are going to look at, that's for sure, because maybe you need it at some stage in the World Cup."
Aside from King, other options include Newcastle's Scott Parker and Manchester United's Alan Smith, whilst Joey Barton's sparkling recent form at Manchester City has led to calls for international recognition.
Whilst Eriksson has already decided on the majority of players who will be making the trip to Germany, he conceded that there was still a chance for hopefuls to get a chance for The Three Lions.
"There's time for other players to knock on the door. I will open it maybe."
How bout CARRICK
