Dyer misses out on certain England start

Last updated : 16 October 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Sex scandals? Done that.
Sven-Goran Eriksson was set to hand Dyer the problem left sided midfield position and even though it is not his favourite role, Kieron is undoubtedly England’s best option there.

Southampton’s Wayne Bridge now looks set to start on the left, interchanging with Arsenal full back Ashley Cole.

Worse news for Dyer is that Emile Heskey is unlikely to be fit to play tonight, meaning that he has missed out on the chance to play in his favourite advanced role. Imagine the problems the pace and guile of Kieron would cause defences when alongside Michael Owen.

Combative (dirty) Leeds forward Alan Smith now looks set to start up front alongside Owen.

Sven took time off from reading about himself in the papers to tell Sky: "I can't find a left winger like Ryan Giggs who is English. But it is a pity that every time Dyer is called to the national team he seems to get injured.

"He has really bad luck. I'm really sorry for him. This time he practised very well before we went to Slovakia, the best I have seen him in training. Then the day after he got his back injury.

"It's a pity because he could do that job. I think so. I am sure that Dyer could do it if we ask him. He could have been a very good alternative for me on Wednesday."

Surely all Kieron needs to do to earn a regular England place is to stay fit for a prolonged period.

But in the short-term we’ll just have to hope that he’s ok for the trip to Blackburn on Saturday.