SHAUNY WRIGHT GETS ENGLAND CALL

Last updated : 28 March 2004 By Ben Collins

The City winger, 22, has been a regular in the U21s set-up but this represents his first call-up to the senior squad.

A series of spell-binding performances on the wing, plus goals against Liverpool, Spurs, and of course his wonder goal against United, had brought calls for the youngster to be included in the England squad, and Eriksson, who was present for City's defeat at Leeds, has now obliged.

The England boss has left out regular midfielders Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes so that he can have a look at the likes of Shaun and fellow newcomer Alan Thompson. Jermain Defoe, Jlloyd Samuel and former City target, Robert Green, also received their first senior call-up.

Wright-Phillips told BBC Sport: "I'm naturally delighted. It's fantastic news - a dream come true. I have some good friends in the squad in David James and Jermain Defoe and am really pleased that he has been called up too."

The former Forest academy player sustained calf and ankle injuries in City's draw with Fulham but will join up with the squad.