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Hope for McManaman, but Neville outLONDON, England (CNN) -- England coach Sven Goran Eriksson says he is keeping his World Cup squad options open -- giving hope to Real Madrid's Steve McManaman. But Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has lost his fight to be fit after breaking a bone in his foot. McManaman, the 30-year-old former Liverpool midfielder, has impressed during Real's march to the European Champions League final, including scoring their second goal in the semifinal first leg at Barcelona. But he has not played for England since last October when he came on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw at home to Greece, the match that secured England's qualification for Japan and South Korea. The club performances on the wing of Liverpudlian McManaman, who joined Real in 1999, have never been matched at international level. Since making his England debut in 1994 he has played 37 times but has scored only three goals and most analysts do not expect him to be part of the 23-man squad. But Eriksson, quoted by British newspapers, says: "Nobody is completely out of my plans. I saw Steve play for Real Madrid against Barcelona earlier this week and only on May 9 will I say who is in or out of my squad." Neville was always facing an uphill struggle after his injury during Manchester United's Champions League semifinal first leg against Bayer Leverkusen on April 24. Neville, 27, made his England debut in 1995 and has been a regular since. The injury was similar to the one sustained by his club and international captain, and best friend, David Beckham. Beckham is still receiving treatment but hopes to be back in time for at least part of England's World Cup campaign. |
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