England squad turning Chelsea shade of blue

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has named a 23-man squad for next week's friendly in Denmark which includes five players from champions Chelsea.

Blues midfielders Frank Lampard and Joe Cole, plus defender John Terry are virtually certain to start Wednesday's game in Copenhagen, while winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and right back Glen Johnson could make substitute appearances.

Eriksson has had to allow for the injury absences of Sol Campbell and Ledley King in defence, where Terry is now set to partner Rio Ferdinand.

There are no surprises in midfield, where captain David Beckham should play on the right, with Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the middle and Cole in his newly-won role on the left.

Up front, Man. United teenager Wayne Rooney is likely to start alongside Tottenham's Jermain Defoe after both strikers scored in opening day wins in the Premier League.

Defoe will deputise for Michael Owen, who is suspended for England's next qualifier against Wales but who is expected to make a second half appearance against the Danes.

Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson has kept his place in the squad despite their relegation at the end of last season.

"We have a very big couple of months ahead of us and we have an important job to do to qualify for the World Cup finals," Eriksson said. "This match against Denmark is the perfect preparation and I'm very much looking forward to the start of what I hope is going to be a very significant season for the England team."

Squad

Goalkeepers: James (Man. City), Green (Norwich), Robinson (Tottenham).

Defenders: Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Man. United), Carragher (Liverpool), Upson (Birmingham), G. Neville (Man. United), P. Neville (Everton), Cole (Arsenal), Johnson (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Jenas (Newcastle), Beckham (R. Madrid), Cole (Chelsea), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Carrick (Tottenham), Hargreaves (B. Munich).

Forwards: Johnson (C. Palace), Owen (Real Madrid), Defoe (Tottenham), Rooney (Man. United).