England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is resigned to a future without Paul Scholes after the midfielder refused to reverse his decision to retire. Eriksson said of the 30-year-old: "I met Scholes a couple of months ago and I asked him if he had changed his mind. "He said 'no'. I don't think he will come back. Maybe I will try again."
Eriksson will name his squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan at 1900 GMT on Sunday.
England will virtually make sure of their place in the 2006 World Cup finals if they defeat Northern Ireland at Old Trafford next Saturday and Azerbaijan at St James' Park four days later.
Manchester United midfielder Scholes quit the England set-up after Euro 2004.
 |  [Andy] Johnson is always an interesting case, but [Stuart] Downing will be involved, he is a big consideration |
Eriksson added: "I have to say we miss Paul Scholes because he is a very good football player but when we meet up, now for nine days and hopefully at the World Cup for five or six weeks, you want to have a happy player.
"If he is not happy, he will not perform as good as he could do. That is why I am not phoning him every week and going on my knees asking him to come back."
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand revealed his dream to succeed David Beckham as England captain.
"I'd love to be captain of England one day, that would be great for me," the 26-year-old told the Football Association's website.
"But it's up to the manager and Becks is going to be around for a long time."
Ferdinand is expected to be partnered at the back by Chelsea's John Terry, with Arsenal defender Sol Campbell out injured.
Eriksson must decide whether to hand another chance to Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson, the top English scorer in the Premiership this season.
Johnson's England career could be over after only one substitute appearance.
But Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing will keep his place in the squad.
Eriksson said: "Johnson is always an interesting case, but Downing will be involved, he is a big consideration."
Johnson failed to make an impression after being thrown on in an unfamiliar right-wing role for the last 20 minutes of England's drab goalless draw in the friendly against Holland at Villa Park.
Eriksson said: "I was criticised for playing him there, but I think he was happy to do that."
The Swede singled out Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole for praise, but he may have to be content with a place on England's bench for the upcoming qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.
Eriksson said: "Joe is making an improvement match by match.
"He has been playing a lot recently and showing much more improved discipline on the pitch.
"He has been working hard and making the right decisions, and he is very much in my mind."
MMIX
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