Happy with Hargreaves

Sven-Goran Eriksson has hit back at criticism of his decision to include Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves in England's World Cup squad.

The 25-year-old won the last of his 29 caps in the 1-0 defeat in Northern Ireland in September last year, with a groin problem making him unavailable for selection for the national team's last four matches.

It was thought the injury had ruined Hargreaves' chance of making the 23-man squad for Germany 2006, but Eriksson opted to select him among nine midfielders, while naming just four recognised strikers.

The England head coach said: "After his injury, he's now played the last 11 matches for Bayern.

"I went over to see him last week against Stuttgart and he was one of the best on the pitch, playing as a sitting midfielder. He is also versatile."

Hargreaves is almost certain to be restricted to bench duty at the finals, with Eriksson only likely to use him in the closing stages of matches if England have a slender lead to protect.