Woodgate was included, along with Leeds team-mates Paul Robinson and Alan Smith when Eriksson named his squad for the game at Villa Park.
But West Ham striker Jermain Defoe and Blackburn's David Dunn miss out.
Goalkeepers David Seaman and Nigel Martyn were omitted from the 20-man squad, as were Teddy Sheringham and Martin Keown.
Woodgate and Bowyer were originally suspended from international duty just under three years ago after being charged with assaulting Asian student Sarfraz Najeib in a street fight in Leeds.
The first trial in Hull collapsed but both were later cleared of assault at the retrial, though Woodgate was convicted of affray.
 Portugal were not very lucky in the World Cup but there is no doubt that they have a very good team 
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Sven-Goran Eriksson |
Woodgate, who has represented his country once before against Bulgaria in June 1999, was cleared for selection at the start of this season after serving a 100-hour community service sentence.
Eriksson defended his decision to select Bowyer and Woodgate, insisting "I have no problems with it".
Sol Campbell, Paul Scholes, Darius Vassell, Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Robbie Fowler were all ruled out because of injury.
The England coach named a smaller squad than normal because he hopes to make fewer substitutions during the game compared to previous friendlies.