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Parker and Johnson win England call
UK, Nov 10: England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has included Charlton`s Scott Parker and Chelsea teenager Glen Johnson in the squad to face Denmark.
UK, Nov 10: England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has included Charlton's Scott Parker and Chelsea teenager Glen Johnson in the squad to face Denmark.
And experienced Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate also wins a surprise recall for the game at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Southampton's James Beattie is the shock exclusion - especially with Liverpool's Michael Owen ruled out through injury.
Owen is still recovering from the ankle injury which forced him to miss Liverpool's match against Manchester United.
Eriksson said: "Parker and Johnson deserve it. They are playing better and better. We will have a look at them and there is a chance they could be ready for June 2004."
And on Beattie he said: "I wouldn't say he's done anything wrong, but this is my opinion about who is best for this game. "My message to Beattie is to go on working hard and scoring goals."
Meanwhile, Addicks midfielder Parker has finally grabbed Eriksson's attention with eye-catching displays as Charlton have moved up to fourth place in the Premiership.
The 23-year-old was included in the squad for the friendly against Australia last season, but was one of the few players not to figure.
"I'm in a position where there are so many good players. It's going to be difficult for me, and it will be harder because I play at Charlton," Parker said.
"Frank Lampard has worked so hard and, despite everything going on at Chelsea, has still been in the team. I think of him as having a similar game to mine.
"It was a brilliant experience being in the squad for Australia, but I am used to biding my time. If I keep playing well, maybe I have a realistic chance of going to Portugal." Bureau Report
Southampton's James Beattie is the shock exclusion - especially with Liverpool's Michael Owen ruled out through injury.
Owen is still recovering from the ankle injury which forced him to miss Liverpool's match against Manchester United.
Eriksson said: "Parker and Johnson deserve it. They are playing better and better. We will have a look at them and there is a chance they could be ready for June 2004."
And on Beattie he said: "I wouldn't say he's done anything wrong, but this is my opinion about who is best for this game. "My message to Beattie is to go on working hard and scoring goals."
Meanwhile, Addicks midfielder Parker has finally grabbed Eriksson's attention with eye-catching displays as Charlton have moved up to fourth place in the Premiership.
The 23-year-old was included in the squad for the friendly against Australia last season, but was one of the few players not to figure.
"I'm in a position where there are so many good players. It's going to be difficult for me, and it will be harder because I play at Charlton," Parker said.
"Frank Lampard has worked so hard and, despite everything going on at Chelsea, has still been in the team. I think of him as having a similar game to mine.
"It was a brilliant experience being in the squad for Australia, but I am used to biding my time. If I keep playing well, maybe I have a realistic chance of going to Portugal." Bureau Report