Reo-Coker on standby for World Cup squad

Nigel Reo-Coker has been placed on standby for the England squad at the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

The Hammers captain was given the fantastic news by manager Sven-Goran Eriksson just moments before the squad was announced at a news conference at the FA's Soho Square headquarters at 2.30pm today.

Nigel is initially included as one of the five standby players in Eriksson's squad and will travel with England to Portugal for their pre-World Cup training camp next week before the final group of 23 is confirmed. However, with a number of injury worries still concerning the Swede, the Hammers midfielder will prepare himself for the possibility of travelling to Germany at the beginning of June.

Manager Alan Pardew says: "This is absolutely fantastic news for Nigel, and nothing less than he deserves after a terrific season. It is also a wonderful boost for the Club and caps off a memorable campaign for us. I know that Nigel will be a first class ambassador for his Club and country, and it couldn't be better news going into the FA Cup final on Saturday."

Exclusive reaction from Nigel will appear here on whufc.com soon…