Neville out of Sweden clash

England defender Gary Neville is definitely out of Tuesday's clash with Sweden.

The Manchester United man has been struggling with a calf injury and whilst he held an outside chance of being fit for what looks to be Group B's decider, it has now been decided that he will not be risked.

Neville played in England's opener against Paraguay, where he picked up the injury, but in his country's second game against Trinidad & Tobago was conspicuous only by absence.

"He's out," Eriksson told a news conference. "We hope he will be okay for the next game but we are not sure about that."

In his absence Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was employed at right back, to mixed success, before the introduction of Aaron Lennon saw David Beckham drop back in to a full back berth behind the Tottenham wide man.

The ever-versatile Owen Hargreaves remains an option for Eriksson but it seems likely that Carragher will be given the nod to continue on the right.

Although Neville will cut a forlorn figure on the touchline a familiar face in England's back four will be Rio Ferdinand, who picks up his 50th cap for his country.

Eriksson has been quick to praise the classy Manchester United stopper, congratulating him on reaching such a substantial figure already in his career.

"He's one of the most elegant central defenders you will find in the world today,'' he added.

"He's quick and has everything. I'm very happy with how he is playing. Congratulations to him.

"He missed eight months so he could have had more, but 50 is a great number."

England, depending on their result against Sweden, will play either Ecuador or Germany from Group A in the last 16 but Eriksson insists his players will not be watching the game between these two countries - although he does concede they will know the score prior to their own game.

''We will not watch that game,'' concluded Eriksson. ''I don't know what time we will leave the hotel, so we will hear the result before kick-off.''