Southgate has no complaints over Sven snub

The Middlesbrough defender is one of six players left on standby ahead of the tournament in Portugal but, while Eriksson can make unlimited changes to his squad before the final June 2 deadline, the Swede will not do so unless fresh injuries force his hand.

Southgate had looked certain to make the cut after Rio Ferdinand was banned following his missed drugs test and Jonathan Woodgate was ruled out because of a torn thigh muscle.

But the 33-year-old suffered an injury problem of his own when he damaged knee ligaments in training last month and, while he is almost fully recovered, Eriksson has opted not to gamble on his fitness with just 26 days to go before England's opener against France.

Ledley King and Phil Neville will travel to Portugal as cover for England's first-choice defensive pairing of Sol Campbell and John Terry and, while he is disappointed to be missing out, Southgate admits he can understand the rationale behind Eriksson's decision.

"I totally understand Sven's decision," said the veteran centre-half. "He wants players who he knows are going to fully fit when the tournament starts and he has to name a final squad on June 2.

"I'm confident I would be fit for the start of the tournament, but Sven wants to try players who have played through until the end of the season.

"I'm disappointed to miss out and, if I hadn't had the injury, I feel I would have been part of the squad.

"We've done everything possible here to try to get me fit, but with not being able to guarantee my fitness for the first warm-up game on June 1, that has put me out of contention."

Southgate will be almost 36 by the time the next World Cup comes around in 2006 and, while he could yet be a late inclusion next month if injury strikes, yesterday's announcement almost certainly brings the curtain down on the defender's 57-cap international career.

"(Picking the defence) was my hardest task," admitted Eriksson, whose squad will now travel to Sardinia for a training camp later this month before taking part in a triangular tournament involving Iceland and Japan.

"Southgate is not fit at this moment so that was a difficult decision to make. I have talked to Southgate and he is going to try to be fit but it is doubtful.

"He's on standby. We have time to change the squad, up until June 2, but I really don't think I will change it.

"I am happy with the balance that we have. Hopefully, they will stay fit and if they stay fit I think we will have a very, very good team."

There was better news for Kieron Dyer after he made it into Eriksson's squad despite playing just two games since tearing his hamstring against Aston Villa at Villa Park last month.

The Newcastle midfielder also made it into Eriksson's party for the 2002 World Cup despite suffering a serious knee injury on the final day of the season.

The Swede sees Dyer's versatility as a key asset and, while the 25-year-old is unlikely to start against France, he could play a significant role off the bench if things are not going to plan.

Eriksson sprang no surprises in a squad that gives him maximum flexibility but very few aces to hide up his sleeve.

Phil Neville's ability to play in defence or midfield saw him given the nod ahead of Middlesbrough's Ugo Ehiogu, while Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was preferred to Danny Mills.

Joe Cole's late season flourish saw him make the cut in front of Chelsea teammate Scott Parker, while Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell edged out Leeds' Alan Smith and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe.

Eriksson has always maintained that his squad should be at their peak in Germany in two year's time but, when asked if England were good enough to win Euro 2004, he added: "If they are fit I think so yes.

"You need a bit of luck to win a big tournament and I hope we have that luck.

"A lot of them are the same (as in the last World Cup squad) with two more years' experience which is important.

"I believe those who were in Japan, and are now still in the squad, should be better."