Eriksson has said that he's seen Seaman play plenty of times of the last 20 years, and needed to get a look at the keepers he knew less about. He also said that age isn't important, and that he doesn't yet have a first-choice keeper.

While it will be reassuring that his exclusion was only because the boss already knows how good he is, it'll be hard for Seaman not to be concerned. It's hard to judge given that Spain weren't exactly fully up-for-it, but it's hard to fault either David James or Nigel Martyn. They had 45 minutes each, both did well including a fine penalty save from the Leeds man.

Ashley Cole might feel a little disappointed not to get on the field, but will also be aware that it's very early days. He's had a much better season so far than he could have been hoping for, and chances at that level will surely come. The only worry, from an Arsenal point of view, is that he might feel that his England chances would be enhanced at a club where he's the undisputed first-choice left back. It looks like the days when being at a big club is the most important thing might be over. And full marks to Eriksson for that. How many England managers would have given Charlton's Chris Powell a shot?

It's great that the new England boss is getting these youngsters involved early on. The left-backs who did play (Chris Powell and Michael Ball) both did very well. Not so long ago you'd have thought that a young English left-back discovery would walk into the England team. Now there are 3 of them. Like buses...

See BBC for more.