Versatile Jansen puts his case for the left

Some think it's all over: But these pretenders could do a Geoff Hurst and make a late bid for World Cup glory

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In the lead-up to nearly every World Cup, England are hit by a phenomenon best described as the Hurst effect. Most recently it was Michael Owen; 11 years ago it was David Platt; and, most famously, in 1966 it was Geoff Hurst himself. Late inclusions to a World Cup squad are not all that surprising, but these three players not only sneaked in to the finals, they also had a major impact on them once they were there. Sven Goran Eriksson now has just seven months left to unearth his own gem before Korea and Japan.

A major reason for the success of last-minute selections is that they bring an element of surprise – not just for their team-mates, who might not have played with them before, but principally for their opponents, who are not fully aware of their talents.

Argentina's players might have heard of Michael Owen before France 98; what they did not know was that he could run half the length of the pitch and score such a wonderful goal. Likewise, few expected Hurst to steal the Wembley limelight from his more illustrious colleagues such as Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves.

So who could force their way into the England manager's plans? Eriksson has been exceptionally loyal to the group of players he selected for his first match against Spain in February and, while he is undoubtedly prepared to let fresh faces in, the door to his squad remains difficult to get through.

Equally, though, the left side of midfield remains the main area of concern for the Swede, and, while he may know the bulk of the names for next summer, there is still time for someone to make a case for inclusion.

Top of Eriksson's list of "maybes" is Matt Jansen. The Blackburn Rovers player is left-footed and, perhaps most crucially, versatile. "I've had lots of different managers in my time, so I've played in a number of systems and in various positions," says Jansen, who started his career as a left-back with Carlisle. "I think that I have the ability to play in a number of roles, whether it be on the left or right of midfield, as a withdrawn striker, or even as a lone forward [his current role at Blackburn]. But the truth is that if I could get the chance to play for England, I would play anywhere, even in goal. It is a dream of mine to play for my country and I am desperate to be given the opportunity to prove myself."

Bearing in mind Jansen's credentials, it was somewhat strange to hear that his club manager, Graeme Souness, had told an enthusiastic Eriksson that he doubted whether the player was suited to the left-side role in midfield. "That's his opinion," Jansen says, "and I totally respect it. But I know I would be comfortable on the left. I've played in that position before, for Carlisle and Crystal Palace, so it is not as if Mr Eriksson is trying to invent a position for me. I am capable of playing on the left of midfield and I must admit that I was a little disappointed with what Graeme Souness said. We've never really spoken about it since, but perhaps it would be helpful for me to have a chat with him and find out why he feels that way."

Jansen adds: "When you look around, there are not many natural left-footers so I do feel I could help England. And I don't think that my club position should matter. Of course, the ideal solution would be for me to be shining on the left week-in week-out for Blackburn, but I am happy enough to prove myself another way."

At 23, Jansen is now too old to add to his six caps at Under-21 level, but the team's current manager knows a thing or two about bursting on to the international scene during a World Cup. Little more than a squad member in the early games of Italia 90, Platt was brought on as a substitute in the game against Belgium and then went on to score the now famous volley in the dying seconds of extra-time which took England into the quarter-finals. "Yes, I came into the tournament with nothing to lose," says Platt, who had first been drafted into the England squad in November 1989. "But more than anything else, success on a big stage like that is about luck."

Like Platt, Jansen is an attacking midfielder who is versatile and can score goals. And the man being groomed to succeed Eriksson believes the Blackburn player has the right attributes to make it to the top. The problem is, though, that Platt also believes that breaking into the senior squad will prove exceptionally difficult for any of the fringe players. "Don't get me wrong," he said after his team's 2-1 defeat of Greece on Friday, "I think it's possible, but I also know that Sven has no interest in producing a latecomer just for the sake of it. If there's a player out there who deserves to be in, then fine, but it won't be easy because the current squad is very settled and still young."

Despite the poor odds, Jansen is determined to get his first taste of international football. "I don't know how close I was to getting into the last squad," he says. "I am aware that the England management have been watching me, but it is always difficult to know what they are thinking. I've only just returned to the Premiership [following Blackburn's two-year stay in the First Division], so it is going to take me a few more matches to really prove what I can do at the highest level. I hope the England coaches will like what they see and give me a call soon."

The wait is frustrating, but at least Jansen can comfort himself with the knowledge that England's previous two World Cups have thrown up last-minute heroes.

"I can remember watching David Platt score in Italy and Michael setting the world alight three years ago," he says. "It's nice to know that they came in late and yet managed to be the main feature of those two England teams. I only hope I get the chance to emulate them."

Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)

For the Aston Villa defender to add to his six senior caps he needed to prove he could play in a back four as well as the back three to which he is more accustomed. Now he has. On Friday for the Under-21s, he showed a Rio Ferdinand-like ability to switch to the centre of a more traditional defence. It bodes well for Barry, who has shown before that he can also play at left-back. His club manager, John Gregory, has suggested that the 20-year-old lost his way a little this time last year but is now firmly focused on regaining his club and, eventually, international place.

David Dunn (Blackburn)

The 21-year-old midfielder is, along with Damien Duff, a successful product of the Blackburn Rovers youth system. Born and bred in the town, Dunn has made quick progress. He broke into the squad three years ago during Roy Hodg- son's reign, but has been a regular only since Graeme Souness took charge. He is strong, combative and comfortable in possession. Scored 21 goals last season and could be a long-term replacement for Paul Scholes. "I believe I can use this as a stepping stone," he said. "We've seen it happen with Steven Gerrard and Michael Carrick, so why not?"

Lee Hendrie (Aston Villa)

A close friend of Jansen's, the Aston Villa midfielder is also on the senior fringes. His performances this season have been outstanding and he appears to be enjoying himself. Early success went to his head a little, but the more mature 24-year-old has knuckled down and is fast becoming a key figure in the Villa team. His versatility is an asset; he can play anywhere in midfield, or in the hole. Crucially, has a competent weaker foot and could fill problem left-midfield slot for Eriksson. Few will forget his beaming smile when handed his England debut in 1998 against Czech Republic.

Paul Robinson (Leeds)

The youngster will have looked on enviously as Nigel Martyn kept goal for England. A year ago, he was the toast of Yorkshire as he helped David O'Leary's team progress beyond the opening group stages of the Champions' League. Many touted him as possible No 1 for Eriksson's opening match. But since Martyn returned from injury he has had to make do with Leeds reserves and Under-21 duty. But Erik-sson may be tempted to fast-track the 20-year-old. Securing the third keeper's berth for the World Cup finals may rest on whether David James recovers from injury to his old heights.