Eriksson has a key issue to resolve in his team's diamond-shaped midfield and an opportunity to sharpen their attack in Tuesday's game against Zico's Japan at the City of Manchester stadium.

Two men are fighting for a place in England's holding position, with Nicky Butt, a more naturally defensive midfielder who did an excellent job at the 2002 World Cup, facing real competition from the attack-minded Frank Lampard.

Up front, a livewire Jermain Defoe is hoping to be promoted from a standby to Eriksson's final list of 23, which will be forwarded to UEFA the following day, should Darius Vassell lack spark in training on his return from injury.

Though Eriksson will be grateful for the chance to tinker with his squad and should at least give Lampard and Defoe an opportunity to prove their worth, the chances are that both men will be disappointed.

Eriksson's tactical caution, combined with the awesome firepower of their first opponents at Euro 2004, title holders France, means that Butt is unlikely to be dislodged from his usual slot in front of England's back four.

With the Swede making it clear his first-choice team will start Tuesday's game, the best Lampard can probably hope for is a good enough second-half showing to win a place in the subsequent Group B games against Switzerland and Croatia.

A more radical option for accomodating both Butt and Lampard against France on June 13 in Lisbon would be to drop Paul Scholes as the attacking midfielder at the top of the diamond.

SCHOLES DROUGHT

Scholes has not scored for England in nearly three years, while Lampard's superb club form over the past season carried Chelsea to the Premier League's runners-up slot behind Arsenal and a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

Again, though, Eriksson's conservative approach and loyalty should keep Scholes in a job.

Defoe's fate will be long sealed by the time England play their second game at Manchester City's ground on Saturday against Iceland.

Explosive pace, great shooting ability and a real hunger in front of goal have made the Tottenham Hotspur recruit one of the most exciting young players in the Premier League, though Euro 2004 has probably come too early for him.

Michael Owen and teenage strike partner Wayne Rooney will lead the charge, while the midfield will be completed by skipper David Beckham on the right flank and Steven Gerrard on the left.

Though Lampard's club team mate John Terry has been marked out as Sol Campbell's new partner in central defence, following Rio Ferdinand's suspension, there should be time this week for youngster Ledley King to put in an appearance from the bench.

With Ashley Cole looking after the left side, Gary Neville on the right and David James in goal, England will certainly have a familiar look as they limber up for the serious action in Portugal.