Sven gives Phillips hope
ENGLAND coach Sven Goran Eriksson has thrown Southampton striker Kevin Phillips a lifeline by admitting that the player is still in his plans.
Eriksson believes there is shortage of proven international forwards in the country and he wants Phillips and the likes of Alan Smith, Jermain Defoe, and Matt Jansen to prove they are worth a chance in the side.
The Swede picked just three strikers for Wednesday's friendly win over Croatia with Wayne Rooney and Darius Vassell both injured and he has lamented the lack of options in attack.
"We need strikers in England," said Eriksson.
"We've talked about left-sided players but we haven't got that many very good international strikers.
"We do have some young strikers, of whom Alan Smith is one, while Defoe is another.
"I also hope that Phillips has a good season and Matt Jansen is coming back."
