SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has paid Middlesbrough's England new-boy Stewart Downing the ultimate compliment by comparing the winger to international skipper David Beckham.

Even through Beckham's recent downturn in form for his country, Eriksson has continually stood by his captain and has always maintained that the Real Madrid superstar will play against Holland tomorrow night.

The relationship between the pair is a strong one and the fact that Downing has been hailed in such a glowing manner from England's head coach is a sign of the growing admiration for Boro's young wide-man.

The 20-year-old, named in his first senior international squad on Saturday, is expected to play some part for England in the Villa Park friendly.

Eriksson's willingness to mention Downing in the same breath as his golden boy is a sign that the Middlesbrough young gun is likely to be given every opportunity to stake a claim for a permanent place in the national team squad.

The Swede said: "Downing's left foot is very good and in a way it's a bit like Beckham on the opposite side.

"Beckham doesn't dribble at people always, he drives the ball in around them and Downing has that ability too.

"Downing's still very young, so there is much more to come from him. But he has already been playing regularly in the Premier League this season and we can see that he is improving all the time. He has been playing very well, so now we'll have a look at him. I think it's fair."

Beckham's availability and certain selection means that Shaun Wright-Phillips and Downing are the contenders to try to solve England's long search for a suitable performer down the left wing.

It was only in August, at St James' Park, when Wright-Phillips made a goalscoring bow for Eriksson and he has since gone on to earn three caps.

And the Manchester City starlet is well placed to urge new England teammate Downing, and fellow debutant Andrew Johnson, on how to remain level-headed.

Wright-Phillips said: "They should just be themselves because they're both great players and I'm sure their ability will take them places.

"Just being here's a challenge for me. It'll make me a better player and a better person hopefully. It's likely to be the same for the pair of them."

There is a growing belief that it will be Wright-Phillips who will be handed the left-sided midfield role from the start ahead of Downing.

But Wright-Phillips, the adopted son of former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright, insists he is not focused too much on his battle to play ahead of Downing.

Instead the 23-year-old, given yesterday off to recover from City's draw with Chelsea on Sunday, said: "I would be more than happy to play anywhere for England. It's nice to be involved for England and starting would be a big step for me. If I'm asked to play on the left I'll do it gladly.

"I like to cause a problem and if it's down the left then fine, I'll work as hard there as anywhere else.

"David Beckham is a fantastic player and someone I learn from and enjoy watching.

"Just for people to talk about me fighting for his place is nice but for me it is nice just to train with him. Any decision is down to the manager.

"To be honest I'm just working hard so I can get picked and hopefully make my mark in training. I haven't yet trained so I will have to see what happens on Tuesday."

Yesterday morning England's plans for the friendly with the Dutch were hampered by the news that centre-backs John Terry (knee) and Ledley King (groin) had to follow Matthew Upson's (hamstring) lead and withdraw through injury.

The trio's no-show means they have joined fellow defenders Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand and Jonathan Woodgate on the unavailable list, meaning Jamie Carragher and Wes Brown are the two likely to start against Marco van Basten's men.

In addition, Chelsea full-back Wayne Bridge was forced out of the squad earlier in the day with a foot injury.

Liverpool's Carragher claimed last night that he is ready to make his mark. He said: "I'm OK, no problems. I'll be delighted to get another cap and play as well as I have for Liverpool.

"My best position is centre-half; it's where I've played most of this season and hopefully I can take it on to the international stage."