Eriksson backs the keeper

However, Eriksson also conceded that Seaman, who re-considered his international future after England8217;s World Cup exit, would remain under pressure from his two understudies in the England camp.

8220;I think David James especially and Paul Robinson are pressing,8221; said the Swede. 8220;They8217;re doing very well with West Ham and Leeds respectively. There8217;s four months before the next game with the national team, a friendly in February, so I have a lot of time to go round to see players 8212; and goalkeepers of course. We8217;ll see what happens in those four months.8221;

England captain David Beckham, who put a comforting arm around a tearful Seaman after his famous World Cup blunder against Brazil, again defended the 39-year-old Arsenal man.

8220;I dont think you need to do it too much with Dave. He8217;s a strong person, he8217;s a strong goalkeeper. Things happen in games.8221; England are trying to arrange a home friendly with either Australia or Denmark in mid-February, with their next Euro 2004 qualifier coming the following month in Liechtenstein.