Eriksson backing for axed Seaman

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson today assured David Seaman he still had an international future despite dropping the Arsenal goalkeeper from his 25-man squad for the 3-0 win against Spain.

Seaman, back to his best at Arsenal, was the only fit player to be left out of Eriksson's starting line-up and the list of substitutes.

The new England coach preferred instead to start with Aston Villa's David James and replace him with Leeds United's Nigel Martyn at half-time. Ipswich keeper Richard Wright was left on the bench.

The Football Association denied speculation that the 37-year-old was furious at being left out and had walked out in disgust.

"David watched the whole match from the stand," said an FA spokesperson, "and stayed behind for some time afterwards. There was no problem whatsoever."

Eriksson, meanwhile, today revealed that Seaman would have been included had Spain concurred with England's plea to make 11 substitutes available. "Had the Spanish allowed us to use 11 substitutes," said Eriksson, "I would have picked four goalkeepers. I have seen Seaman over the last 20 years and I know how good he is. I wanted to see the others.

"I don't have a first choice. He's still very much involved as an international goalkeeper. His age isn't important. I talked to him and I think he accepted it."

Both James and Martyn made good impressions with clean sheets, while the Leeds keeper also saved a penalty 11 minutes from time.

Eriksson, who shook every player by the hand after the game as he thanked them for ensuring him a winning debut, admitted that the result had exceeded his pre-match expectations.

"I hope the fans don't expect us to do that every time," he said. "Football is too difficult for that. But to have that spirit is important. Congratulations to the squad. It was marvellous. We've started very well."