Jonathon Woodgate Still Angry

The two year and nine month ban was handed over to Woodgate while he was at Leeds.  He was involved in a high-profile court case in January 2000 which saw him found guilty of affray.

Woodgate was eventually allowed back into the international scene by The Football Association, but he had now missed both Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Woodgate said:

"I do disagree without doubt I really do, it did set me back.

"But they [The FA] made the decision and they stuck by it. It is not good enough, but I only have myself to blame - me and nobody else.

"I knew I could come back and play at that standard, I am strong, despite all the knockers saying 'he had gone', but I always knew I would come back and play for England.

"I realise the mistakes I made, but it is everyone's dream to play for England and I am very lucky.

"It would mean the world to me [to play in Euro 2004], for people to say there is Jonathan from Middlesbrough - I would be the proudest man in the world."

Woodgate is likely to play a big part in Sven's plans for Euro 2004 in Portugal, due to the fact that Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand is serving an FA ban! How ironic.

He added:

"It is a big disappointment for Rio, everyone makes mistakes in life - I know Rio will come back a better player than he is."

The Toon center back is full of confidence ahead of the tournament and added:

"I am an England fan and I expect us to win it.

"I think we have a chance and all the players believe it and there is no reason why we can't win it.

"All the players believe it and you just have to have that luck."