Eriksson talks up Hargreaves option

Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves could start for England in Saitama against Sweden on Sunday.

Hargreaves has arguably been England's best player in recent friendlies and can also be used as a right back and thee 21 year old is a contender to be used alongside Paul Scholes in the central midfield part of coach Sven Goran Eriksson's team.

"He's been impressive in those friendly games we have played," said Eriksson today.

"I've said it before that he has made enormous progress during the last year.

"About 15 or 16 months ago he wasn't playing very often for Bayern Munich and today I think today he is absolutely vital for Bayern.

"He is very, very hungry and keen to learn everything from the coaches and everything I am telling him. He wants to get better and better."

A knee injury for Nicky Butt has cleared up and the Manchester United midfieldr has trained all week but the in-form Hargreaves may start against Sweden.