Sven looks for a free hand

International football: Club v country row looms as Eriksson eyes young defenders' institution

There's a wonderful moment at the beginning of Love and Death, Woody Allen's satire on Russian literature, when his character, Boris, a pacifist, is denounced by a fearsome harridan as an arrant coward and a blight on the family name for attempting to avoid leaving for the front and fighting alongside his heroic brothers. Allen turns to the camera and introduces her in an mock-apologetic aside: "My mother, folks..."

You imagine that even the epitome of Swedish sang-froid, Sven Goran Eriksson, might have reacted in somewhat similar fashion following his own mum's pronouncements in a forthcoming book on her son's dealings with Sir Alex Ferguson, and the latter's alleged lack of co-operation with the national team coach.

During the World Cup, the principal plea in mitigation for England's lacklustre exhibitions in the second half of games, most notably against Sweden and Brazil, was fatigue caused by a prolonged Premiership and Champions' League season (notwithstanding that Ireland's Premiership players actually finished their games full of vigour).

Now we learn that another explanation is the grand knight of Old Trafford's refusal to make his players available at the end of the League season. "Alex Ferguson is a threat to my son," Ulla Eriksson, 76, is quoted as saying. "Sven told me... that it is pointless having national team games in April or May because Ferguson, in one way or another, makes sure his stars aren't fit."

There is nothing like a mum's intervention in her boy's life to cause a distinct colouring of the cheeks; but it may not be too cynical to suggest that, on this occasion, the musings of Mrs E do not trouble Eriksson junior at all. Indeed, her contribution may reveal just how much the England coach may be prepared to force the issue on the whole matter of club versus country. The lack of common ground was illustrated this week when the Football Association's chief executive, Adam Crozier, argued, on Eriksson's behalf, the case for a mid-season break before the Premiership chairmen. Predictably, they gave him short shrift.

If there is one certainty it is that this will not be the end of the contretemps between the international coach and the clubs. But for the moment, he must begin refitting an England team who were still flawed, both tactically and in personnel, in Japan even if one accepts his observations about their physical condition.

Unlike World Cup qualification, the forthcoming 2004 European Championship campaign is entirely in his hands. Eriksson is in sole charge of preparing the table for dinner now, when before he was charged with making the best of someone else's (Kevin Keegan's) left-overs. Though Slovakia and Macedonia, England's first opponents in October, should not prove particularly daunting, the much-criticised style of England's play will be closely examined, as will Eriksson's introduction of new players.

For the friendly against Portugal at Villa Park on Saturday week Eriksson has already promised "some new faces", but has warned that "it would not be a big revolution. The squad we had in Japan will continue to be our base".

The England coach will at least be gratified that no performers are denied to him because of impending court cases. In the qualifying games, one would anticipate three of England's best players, all barred from internationals during Eriksson's tenure because of legal proceedings, to be offered their chance: Lee Bowyer, who excelled last week for Leeds against Manchester City; and the defenders Jonathan Woodgate and John Terry.

The fact that they all left court free men (apart from Woodgate's community service order for affray), does not mean that they did so without a stain on their characters. Eriksson, whose World Cup 23 were untainted by poor behaviour, will scrutinise the trio closely, as much for their attitude as their undoubted abilities. Bowyer is likely to feature in the squad to meet Portugal in a friendly at Villa Park on 7 September, but Woodgate and Terry may have to wait their turn because of injury. As central defenders, both have the opportunity of partnering England's most admired performer in the Far East, Rio Ferdinand, though Terry may have the stronger claim.

There is something of a young Tony Adams about the Chelsea defender. And, potentially, perhaps a bit more. He is robust and a buccaneer, yet comfortable on the ball. He also scores goals. You feel that he could ultimately be the more suitable foil to Ferdinand. Both on and off the pitch, the 21-year-old from Barking conveys himself as a natural leader. Last season, he several times appeared at post-match interviews to give the Chelsea view, deputising for the manager, Claudio Ranieri. He spoke honestly and well. The fact that he was involved in circumstances that resulted in him appearing in court on a serious assault charge (albeit that he was acquitted last week) is all the more disappointing for those, like this observer, who support his cause.

Whether or not Woodgate is fit enough, there is almost bound to be Leeds representation in the form of Alan Smith, who was on standby for the World Cup squad and was England's most lauded player at the Under-21 championships in Switzerland in May; Danny Mills; and maybe Nick Barmby, who scored the first goal in Eriksson's reign. But which Leeds goalkeeper will receive the call: Nigel Martyn, England's No 2 in the World Cup, or the young man who has, for the moment, usurped his role at club level, Paul Robinson?

Blackburn's Matt Jansen, close to a World Cup call-up, will also have to wait until his injuries heal following his close-season accident on a moped, but Eriksson was reportedly inspecting his Blackburn team-mate David Dunn yesterday. Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, who promised much early in his career, was another who impressed experienced judges at the Under-21 championships and, with the Portugal game to be staged on home territory, his selection for the seniors again would be opportune.

What Eriksson's mother thinks about it all – and apparently, she is not short of opinions on players and tactics – will no doubt be disclosed in due course.