Upson in-line for first England start

Last updated : 31 May 2003 By Brian Cartlidge

With Manchester United's central defender Rio Ferdinand withdrawing from the squad for Tuesday's game at The Walkers Stadium and the Euro 2004 qualifier with Slovakia on 11th June at The Riverside, this leaves the door open for Upson to start his first game for Sven Goran Eriksson's side.

The Blues defender made an impressive England debut in the recent friendly with South Africa when he replaced Ferdinand in the second half and must now come into the reckoning to gain his first England start.