Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson believes Michael Ball can break back into the England squad.

"I think he has the capability to do that," said the City manager.

"England have a couple of top quality left backs in Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge, so Michael has to compete with them. But I think he can do that.

"He has surprised me. He is a much better player now than he was four or five years ago when I picked him for England. He is more mature and both tactically and technically, he is far better than he was at that time.

"The way he is playing now is brilliant."