Glenn On Call-ups

Glenn Roeder is pleased that David James and Trevor Sinclair have been called up for the latest England squad.

Although it is only for a get-together - something Glenn has advocated in the past as a useful alternative to friendlies - he feels that the recognition the duo got will give them a boost in West Ham's current precarious position.

"I am delighted for David and Trevor to be in the England squad again and I am very pleased that the England manager has taken the view that, just because we haven't had a good season so far, it doesn't mean that they shouldn't be picked," says Glenn.

"He has looked at them as individuals and obviously believes in them as international players; I am pleased he has taken that view - which I think other managers might not have taken.

"It shows you that Mr. Eriksson bases his judgment purely on ability."

Trevor certainly did himself no harm on Sunday, when he bravely played with a mask just days after an operation to repair a damaged cheekbone.

Glenn adds:

"It was an outstanding performance from him on Sunday, and I am sure he would freely admit it was his best of the season.

"We said we wanted to Trevor not to have to do too much heading but he did as much as ever - and scored a wonderful goal.

"It was fantastic technique to bullet the ball in the net and give us a chance of getting back into the game.

"His all round game showed Trevor Sinclair at his best, when he is forceful, physical, and considering he hadn't trained for a week because of the operation he had was incredible."

The England U21s are also getting together, and Glenn adds:

"Michael, Jermain, and Joe being in the U21s as they were last time makes sense to me; I am a big believer, generally speaking, in keeping players in their own age group, but I have strong faith in all the young boys.

"Two of them have already been in the full squad, and I think it is only a matter of time before they get back in the seniors.

"That is their aim, and rightly so, because they are very ambitious young players."