Eriksson facing a defence dilemma

Sven Goran Eriksson faces a dilemma at left-back after deciding not to take Arsenal or Southampton players on England's trip to South Africa because of their involvement in the FA Cup final.

The move also affects James Beattie's chances of winning back his place in the squad, while it means that David Seaman will not be considered. However, the effects are greatest in terms of options at left-back, given that Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge are now ruled out of his plans for the friendly in Durban on 22 May.

The England squad fly out to Durban on the Monday after the Cup final, with Eriksson believing the Arsenal and Saints players need a rest before the next friendly, against Serbia & Montenegro, or the Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia.

Eriksson must also decide whether to include Wayne Rooney, who needs a rest, according to his Everton manager David Moyes, and David Beckham, who is suspended for the Slovakia game on 11 June.

The Football Association has confirmed its decision not to take up tickets for England's Euro 2004 qualifier in Turkey and said it is considering a similar move for the earlier game in Macedonia.