Robson`s England team shocker

The former England manager was asked how he felt Sven Goran Eriksson could solve the troublesome left midfield slot in his starting eleven, and the experienced coach revealed he would change the formation to 3-5-2.

Manchester United colleagues Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes would play in midfield, alongside Robson's Newcastle favourite Kieron Dyer.

Whether Robson was taking into account Beckham's suspension from the game with Slovakia is debatable with Gary Neville included in his ideal team, despite being sidelined after a toe operation.

Yet the Magpies manager waxed lyrical over the England captain during the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, hailing the midfielder as one of the best players on the planet.

It all makes for a rather confusing opinion from the footballing knight, who was speaking to respected Spanish magazine Don Balon.

"I would play 3-5-2," he opined.

"Gary Neville and Ashley Cole would play as attacking full backs with Scholes, Dyer and Butt in the middle and, with that, you have resolved that problem (the left midfield role).

"Up front, I would have Michael Owen, but not (Emile) Heskey, maybe alongside a forward like Alan Smith, for example.

"I do not want to advise Sven Goran Eriksson, but I feel it is necessary to adapt to the limitations, and that you have to be flexible."

It is also interesting that Robson selected Arsenal defender Cole ahead of Southampton's Wayne Bridge, who is being strongly linked with a summer switch to St James' Park.

Perhaps the United chief views Cole as a better wing back than the Saints star, who is arguably a more reliable defender.