Injured Cole left out of English Euro 2000 squad

England have announced their 22 players to compete in Euro 2000 from June 10th.

Some 12 hours before the UEFA deadline for submission of squad lists England coach Kevin Keegan hosted a press conference at Wembley's conference centre some 70 minutes after his team had beaten Ukraine at Wembley stadium 2-0 in an impressive display.

Manchester United striker Andy Cole does not make the selection and was allowed to miss the game with Ukraine and leave the England party after a week's training. Cole has only just recovered from a three week toe injury but his exclusion is the major decision taken by Keegan.

"Andy has been suffering with a minor foot problem" said Keegan. "It has stopped him from training normally and we feel it would have been a risk to take him to Euro 2000."

"There is no doubt that had he been fit I am certain I would have taken him."

"I know Andy as well as anybody and he desperately, desperately wanted to come and be part of it. It was my job to really say what I think he knew. I am convinced it is the right decision and so is Andy. He accepted it was the right decision. I have managed him twice - at club level at Newcastle and with England as well. He has a lot to look forward to. Alan Shearer will go at the end of Euro 2000 and there is no doubt about it - he will be a major, major contender for that striking role when he gets himself fit."

"I haven't dropped him. I would have taken Andy. Andy is injured and not fit enough to go."

"He has had discomfort with his left foot. He is not fit to play in Euro 2000. It comes too quickly for him. He knew he could not do it."

England looked good against an equally stylish Ukraine side and played five across midfield with two wing backs in use. The formation could well be used again in the finals and allowed two centre backs to contribute to passing moves in midfield adding to the fluid impression given in the 2-0 win.

Liverpool midfielder Stephen Gerrard was very impressive against Ukraine and earns a place in the 22 along with left back Gareth Barry and Everton midfielder Nick Barmby. Barmby has not been in England contention since the the start of World Cup qualifiers in 1996 but has been in good training form and impressed on his second half showing against Ukraine.

West Ham defender Rio Ferdinand, Kieron Dyer of Newcastle and Aston Villa goalkeeper David James all miss Euro 2000 after being left out.

"They were all disappointed" said Keegan "but they have all taken it in the right spirit."

"I think I have a good balance in the squad with a nice blend of youth and experience. We are not just looking at Euro 2000 but we are looking at the World Cup qualifiers that come pretty much straight afterwards."

The squad in full -

Goalkeepers - Seaman, Wright and Martyn.

Defenders - Adams, Southgate, Campbell, P. Neville, Keown, Barry and G. Neville.

Midfielders - Beckham, McManaman, Scholes, Gerrard, Ince, Barmby and Wise.

Strikers - Shearer, Owen, Fowler, Phillips and Heskey.