SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has revealed he is considering playing Wayne Bridge AND Ashley Cole for England against Macedonia tonight, writes Jeremy Wilson.

The Swede admitted the left side of midfield remains his main selection headache ahead of the St Mary's clash and hinted he might be prepared to give Bridge a chance on his home pitch.

Asked if Cole and Bridge could effectively double up on the left, Eriksson said: "I have no big concerns about that.

"If we did, one of Ashley or Wayne would be playing where they do not play normally for their club.

"But I'm sure they could do it. Why not?

"Maybe I can't find a left-winger like Giggs but I am very lucky to have just one area in the team where we have a problem."

Although Cole is currently first choice at leftback, Eriksson also admitted there was very little to choose between the Arsenal man and Bridge.

He said: "Today we are very lucky. When I came to this country people said: 'left-back - no way'.

"But today we have two who are both 22 and they are more or less the same standard. We have two left backs and that says everything."

The England coach also predicted that Bridge would be an England international for many years to come. He added: "He has been in the squad for a long time and, if things go as they go now, I can promise you he'll be in the squad for many years.

"He has good behaviour - a good boy, a hard worker, a good football player and good tackler. He has a great future."

l Eriksson yesterday condemned the violent scenes between fans and the police at Slovakia last weekend, saying "It was absolutely crazy what I saw from my hotel on Friday night. I heard the shots and I thought it was a firework at first.

"I saw fighting, smoke and people with no shirts - it was like an action film on TV. People should enjoy their football, it should not be like that."

The England boss also brushed aside concerns he might walk away from the job after the attention surrounding his affair with Ulrika Jonsson.

"I haven't read the book, but I have always had 200 per cent support from the FA since I started the job," he admitted. "I accept the attention and the rules. You don't protest, you just say goodbye. But I am still enthusiastic - I am a football coach."