FIT-AGAIN full back Franck Queudrue has expressed his "complete amazement" at Middlesbrough team-mate Chris Riggott's inability to win a place in the England squad.

With Rio Ferdinand struggling for form and Sol Campbell battling against both injury and his personal demons, Sven Goran Eriksson is expected to make at least one surprise selection when he names his centre-halves for next week's international friendly with Uruguay.

Jamie Carragher is likely to feature at some stage given his consistently impressive displays for Liverpool, but Jonathan Woodgate's chances of making his first England appearance since March 2004 would not be helped by his early departure from Real Madrid's match against Arsenal last night.

There will be no place for Riggott, though, despite the former Derby defender emerging as Boro's most consistent performer this season.

Having spent six weeks out with a knee injury, Queudrue has had the opportunity to watch Riggott's performances with a far more critical eye.

And, after finally playing alongside him again in last weekend's 2-0 win at Preston, the Frenchman cannot understand his continued exclusion from the international scene.

"Everybody is saying that Jonathan Woodgate will be in the England squad for the World Cup if he has two good games against Arsenal," said Queudrue. "I can't believe they are not talking about Chris Riggott.

"It surprises me that nobody ever talks about Chris as an England player. With the performances he has been putting in every weekend, I am completely amazed he has not been in an England squad.

"I think he is every bit as good as Woodgate. He has certainly played more games and has proved he has the ability to play for England.

"He has been the most improved player in the Middlesbrough squad for the last couple of years now. He is strong, he can take on players, he can pass and he is good in the air.

"For the last few games he has been captain and that proves he can be a leader as well. There is nothing he cannot do and he should not be jealous of people like Rio Ferdinand."

Queudrue is similarly overlooked when it comes to France and, despite Boro's recent achievements both at home and abroad, the full-back perceives the club's small-town reputation as a significant barrier to success.

"I think if you play for Middlesbrough, you will find it hard to play for either England or France," he said. "If I was playing for a big club, maybe I would have already been in the French team."

Boro will kick off tomorrow night's UEFA Cup second leg with Stuttgart as firm favourites to reach the last 16 following last week's 2-1 win in Germany.

Queudrue was training in England as Boro won the first leg but, with Emanuel Pogatetz suspended for the return game, he will make his fourth European start of the season tomorrow.

"It's great to be back," he said. "I feel good after playing against Preston and the knee is fine.

"I might get a chance with Mani suspended and it's important I take it. It has been frustrating watching from the sidelines because you want to be out there helping."

* Boro will be without Fabio Rochemback for eight weeks following the Brazilian's injury at Preston on Sunday. The 24-year-old, who was finally finding his feet, damaged his ankle ligaments in an innocuous tangle with defender Callum Davidson.