SVEN BEGGED: Let Dyer Start!
By Matthew Jones
October 10 2003
Former England striker Peter Beardsley has "begged" England coach Sven Goran Eriksson to let Kieron Dyer loose against Turkey on Saturday, describing him as Newcastle's finest.
Beardsley believes that Kieron Dyer's recent form suggests that he can be the base of an England victory in match which England could really do with winning.
It will be a tough Euro 2004 qualifier with no England fans there to cheer their team on. It will be an intimidating atmoshpere, but as long as Dyer is played from the start in his favoured position, Beardsley isn't going to worry.
Beardsley, who is still at St James' Park in a PR role, said:
"I'm sure Sven will be considering playing Kieron in behind Wayne Rooney. "With Michael Owen out of the equation, it looks a winning combination.
"Kieron has the pace, the ability to run at players and he gets in behind defences. Schole is a good link man but Dyer can keep the move going.
"The Turkey game couldn't have come at a better time for him.
"He wasn't at his best against Southampton, but before that he was outstanding against both Bolton and Arsenal.
"Those performances reminded me of his England debut when he ran himself ragged against Luxembourg.
"He just finds the energy to run and run and run - and that could be just when England need in Istanbul, so I'd love to see him start."
WILL/SHOULD DYER START?
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