JASON Wilcox was set to crown his comeback today, by being named in the England squad to face Croatia at Wembley next week.

And that could lead to a sensational last-minute opportunity for the Blackburn Rovers winger to jump onto the Euro 96 bandwagon.

Terry Venables was in the process of naming his England squad this afternoon for the latest friendly in the build-up to the European Championship finals.

And a call-up for Wilcox for the first time would signal the start of a new era for the lad who cost Rovers nothing but has earned his place among Ewood's expensive signings.

Wilcox was on the verge of England recognition before being struck down by the cruciate ligament injury which robbed him of a place on the run-in to the title just over a year ago.

Venables had noticed his ability, not least in an England B game when he did really well on his first international appearance of any kind, and the national coach had him on stand-by for a senior squad.

Now, after just seven senior starts on his comeback to the Premiership, he looks to be on the verge of what would be a dream come true - a full England cap. Wilcox, who scored against Liverpool in only the second game of his comeback, notched twice against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and looked to be back at his best.

Ray Harford believes there are few better in the country than Wilcox and will be delighted to see the player achieve full international recognition.

Darren Anderton will be given every encouragement by Terry Venables as he finishes a jinxed season with a desperate dash towards the Tottenham first team.

Venables is expected to invite him along to Bisham Abbey to get back into the swing of the squad, conscious that he is one of the few truly class acts to emerge during his tenure.

Youngsters like Neville and Steve McManaman and surprise package Steve Stone have accelerated the evolution of his side, but it still remains heavily dependent on Paul Gascoigne's mercurial talent.

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