Capped At Last!

Trevor Sinclair finally made his long-awaited full England debut on Saturday as Sven-Goran Eriksson's experimental side were held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden in their friendly at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old Hammers star started the match on the left side of midfield before being replaced by substitute Darren Anderton in the 58th minute and can be content with his performance in a role he filled on several occasions during Harry Redknapp's reign at Upton Park.

While not making any spectacular impression, Trevor showed his usual energetic determination and willingness to work for the team, and played a direct part in England's only goal of the match, which arrived in the 28th minute.

A neat reverse pass from Heskey released Sinclair in the box but the ball ran away from him and he slipped while stretching at the ball with his left foot as a defender tracked behind him. To the fury of the Swedes, though, French referee Colombo pointed to the penalty spot and captain David Beckham rifled home from 12 yards out.

However, that was about as good as it got for England, and Sweden grabbed an equaliser a minute before half-time when goalkeeper Nigel Martyn failed to hold a shot and Hakan Mild followed up to slam the ball into the roof of the net.

Both sides then took advantage of the opportunity to make several changes and the game slowed to near testimonial-pace in the second half with goalmouth action at a premium.

Former Hammers Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard were also involved in the action against England's fellow World Cup 2002 finalists and boss Eriksson had a word of praise for his latest debutant after the game.

"I was very pleased with Trevor Sinclair and thought he played very well in the first half," said the satisfied Swede.

Sinclair enthused: "It was a tough game out there but the atmosphere was brilliant. I was just delighted to get my first cap."