Former Town midfielder Kieron Dyer has been declared for for England's opening World Cup match against Sweden on Sunday. However, Dyer expects to be on the bench as Sven's men start their campaign.

The Ipswich-born midfielder has thanked the manager and England's medical men: "I have to thank the medical staff and Sven for giving me every possible chance of making it.

"I told the manager on Thursday I was definitely fit to play against Sweden. It's gone extremely well and I've even surprised myself.

"I believe in my heart of hearts he'll start me as sub, but you never know..."

Manager Eriksson confirmed that his current 23 will not see any changes: "Everything is OK and we are going to keep these 23.

"He [Dyer] is fit enough to play. When we left England it seemed very bad for him but he has worked very, very hard.

"He has spent up to seven hours a day getting fit."

Photo: Action Images

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