FACTFILE Born: 13/06/80 Position: Striker Club: Aston Villa Caps: 17 Goals: 4

Vassell has endured a difficult season with Aston Villa, despite the club's top-six finish in the Premiership.

But he has always been able to produce his best form for England, particularly as a game-changing substitute.

He burst onto the international scene with goals in his first two England appearances and has consistently impressed with his pace and direct running.

Judging by selection to date, he can have no doubts about how highly Sven-Goran Eriksson rates him.