CHRIS Sutton and Jason Wilcox were being tipped for places in Kevin Keegan's first-ever England squad today.

Keegan was set to name his squad this afternoon for the crucial European Championship qualifier against Poland at Wembley on Saturday week.

And, while Sutton has already said he would be surprised to be included, it remains a distinct possibility.

He was watched by Keegan's mentor Arthur Cox at Coventry last Saturday and if the temporary England boss is looking for a leader of the line as back-up to Alan Shearer, Sutton fits the bill.

An international recall, after being ignored since turning down an England B game last season, would be a timely boost but the striker pointed out that his main focus was playing well and regularly for Rovers after all his injury problems.

"Last season I felt in a strong position to be in the England squad but this season has been a disaster with injuries," he said. Wilcox, meanwhile, is another contender with top-class left-sided players thin on the ground.

But the winger said today: "I haven't even thought about England. The most important thing is that we have a massive game against Wimbledon on Saturday.

"That is all that matters, Blackburn Rovers getting a win. Anything else is a bonus."

With Paul Ince suspended and Nicky Butt injured, a recall for ex-Rover David Batty looks a certainty, while the claims of Newcastle's Rob Lee will be considered and Arsenal's Ray Parlour should be named.

Keegan's main problem area is on the left flank.

That could open the way for Wilcox, who has already played under two different England bosses.

Keith Gillespie and Alan Fettis are both close to recovering from injuries and have been named by Northern Ireland for their Euro qualifying games against West Germany in Belfast (March 27) and Moldova in Chisinau (March 31).

There have also been under-21 calls for Matt Jansen with England, against Poland at the Dell, and David Worrell for the Republic of Ireland in Macedonia.

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