Sven defends Hargreaves

England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has sprung to the defence of Owen Hargreaves.

The industrious midfielder was one of several surprise names in Eriksson's World Cup party but the Swede has always been a firm admirer of the 25-year-old.

While there were eyebrows raised when Hargreaves was given the nod to travel to Germany, Eriksson believes it is only an ignorance of the player's form in the Bundesliga that forms these opinions.

Having watched the versatile performer, who he believes can provide cover defensively as well as in the middle of the field, Eriksson is quick to defend his inclusion.

''I can understand the reaction in England because the fans never see him play and because of that they don't really have reason to think about him,'' he told The Independent.

''I can assure you, however, that Owen Hargreaves deserves to be with us.

''I've been to see him play in Germany quite a few times and he's been fantastic.

''I watched him play for Bayern against Stuttgart recently when all the German newspapers marked him out as the man of the match and I had to agree with them.

''He was fantastic. He is a better player than he was two years ago in the European Championships or four years ago at the World Cup.

''I know his best position is in the holding role, but he is very versatile and that's important at a World Cup.''