Eriksson disappointed with loss of Rio
Sven-Goran Eriksson was today left to face up to the frustration of having to pl
an for the Euro 2004 finals without Rio Ferdinand, one of the cornerstones of hi
s England defence.
However, Eriksson was publicly putting a brave face on Ferdinand's eight-month b
an as he insisted that the disciplinary commission's judgement must be 'respecte
d'.
The England coach had nevertheless spoken up on Ferdinand's behalf at the Footba
ll Association hearing in providing a character statement on the player's behalf
.
Eriksson would certainly be loathe to be without Ferdinand for the Euro 2004 fin
als, having declared him and Sol Campbell to have been the best central defensiv
e partnership at the 2002 World Cup.
Indeed, it has become something of a mantra for the Swede lately that his main c
oncern ahead of the tournament is to have all his best players fit and available
.
Ferdinand certainly rates in that category for Eriksson, but the FA ban will ens
ure his absence from the finals unless his appeal is successful.
The England coach does at least have the ever-improving John Terry to turn to in
stead, while Jonathan Woodgate and Gareth Southgate could also be called up.
Indeed, Terry has performed admirably for England over the past few months, with
Ferdinand having been suspended from international selection for the last two i
nternationals.
Some observers will no doubt cite Eriksson's evident frustration at Ferdinand's
unavailability as another factor which could nudge him away from the England job
after the Euro 2004 finals.
However, the England coach delivered a placatory statement through the Football
Association's website today.
In it he declared: 'Thankfully, the case involving Rio Ferdinand has been heard
and dealt with.
'I have already made clear my thoughts that the process must be improved and I a
m pleased that the various reviews are moving forward rapidly to ensure this hap
pens.
'With regard to Rio, I'm sorry for him. I'm sure he will be disappointed to miss
football for eight months and I'm sure he will see it as a blow to miss Euro 20
04.
'But I must respect the commission's decision. I cannot make any further comment
at this time as Manchester United have said they will be appealing against the
decision.'
Eriksson had earlier described the delay in Ferdinand's case being heard as 'cra
zy'.
He also sympathised with the England squad in their opposition to the United def
ender not being considered for selection for the England games against Turkey an
d Denmark.
Now Eriksson faces a task in focusing his squad on their preparations for the fi
nals, even though they will no doubt be further annoyed by their team-mate's eig
ht-month ban.
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