England are lining up friendly matches against Italy at Elland Road and Holland in Amsterdam in preparation for next year's World Cup finals.

But the re-introduction of an additional friendly to be played in April, when the domestic season reaches a climax, will likely anger Premiership managers.

The fixture has been scrapped in recent years with demands on players already high.

However, Sven Goran Eriksson is determined to ensure that he has time to work with his players ahead of the World Cup campaign in South Korea and Japan, should England qualify.

Negotiations are set to take place with Leeds over an agreement to play Italy at Elland Road in February next year.

A friendly away to Holland is then in the pipeline for March next year as, it is hoped, the countdown to the World Cup finals starts in earnest.

And the FA have decided to organise a further international match with a home fixture in April.

No potential opponents have yet been contacted and the final decision could have a link to potential World Cup opponents, such as an African team or perhaps Portugal.