WAYNE BRIDGE looked back on Wednesday's England adventure and said he would be happy to make his international mark in midfield.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson drafted the Saints left-back in to start alongside Arsenal's Ashley Cole in the 2-2 draw with Macedonia at St Mary's.

Despite being a regular full-back for Saints, Bridge played in left-midfield - England's famous problem position.

Paul Scholes, Kieron Dyer, Emile Heskey, Trevor Sinclair, Owen Hargreaves, Kick Barmby, Steve McManaman, Joe Cole, Darren Anderton and Steven Gerrard have all played there to little effect since Eriksson took over as coach 20 months ago.

But Bridge looked promising in the role and made several telling crosses.

The 22-year-old started out life as a left winger and is confident he can do a job for England in that position.

He said: "I enjoyed it playing down the left. Me and Ashley were interchanging and helping each other quite a bit.

"I know what it is like at left-back, sometimes you want someone to cover. I have played there a few times, I had to get forward, but we work on these things all the time.

"I was just pleased to play, especially as we have been working on playing in left midfield in training."

It was Bridge's ninth England cap, but he was quick to point-out that he does not see himself as a definite starter next time around.

He said: "It is up to the manager what he does in the future, I will just have to wait and see what happens. It was a new position and it felt a bit different. I am not saying I will resolve that problem but I just hope I can get another chance.

"I know I don't yet have a regular starting place, but I was just happy to be picked really - I enjoyed it and gave it my all."

The FA have given their backing to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson after the embarrassing 2-2 draw with Macedonia.

They have no doubts Eriksson is the man to lead England to the European Championship finals in 2004 in Portugal.

Marketing director Paul Barber said: "The FA's position is simple - we are hugely supportive of Sven. He has done a great job, with one defeat in 13 competitive matches, and that was to the team who went on to be world champions.

"Sven got us to the World Cup finals and we have made a solid start in the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign. We look forward to moving on from here. Sven is a very strong person and has the respect of the players. He's a terrific person to work with."