Beattie omitted from England squad
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England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has announced his squad to face Denmark on Sunday
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LONDON, England -- Southampton striker James Beattie has been left out of England's squad to face Denmark on Sunday.
Beattie, prolific at club level but scoreless in four appearances for his country, was expected to play in the Old Trafford friendly, having last turned out in the Euro 2004 qualifier against Liechtenstein.
But he has failed to impress England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who opted for only three strikers -- Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Darius Vassell -- in his 23-man squad.
Injuries have deprived Eriksson of striker Michael Owen, midfielders Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Kieron Dyer, while central defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Sol Campbell are also unavailable.
Another central defender, Rio Ferdinand, has been passed over as expected while he considers his response to being charged with misconduct for missing a drugs test in September.
The absences at the back mean Gareth Southgate returns in central defence, while under-21 player Glen Johnson is rewarded with a first senior call-up at right back after impressing for Chelsea this season.
Johnson could potentially line up alongside two of his club team-mates at the back, John Terry and Wayne Bridge.
Charlton midfielder Scott Parker is also in line for his full debut after not coming off the bench on his first call-up.
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