LONDON (Reuters) - Owen Hargreaves got the prime ministerial backing of Tony Blair on Monday on the eve of Tuesday's World Cup Group B match against Sweden.
Hargreaves is expected to play the holding midfield role against the Swedes in place of Stephen Gerrard, who looks set to be rested as he is only one match away from suspension.
While Hargreaves has yet to win the hearts of many England fans, Blair said he should be given an opportunity.
"We've got to give him a chance
and he hasn't actually started and played a full game," Blair told soccer fans on BBC Radio 5 Live. "He's got a good record as a player for Bayern Munich."
Hargreaves is expected to play the holding midfield role against the Swedes in place of Stephen Gerrard, who looks set to be rested as he is only one match away from suspension.
While Hargreaves has yet to win the hearts of many England fans, Blair said he should be given an opportunity.
"We've got to give him a chance
and he hasn't actually started and played a full game," Blair told soccer fans on BBC Radio 5 Live. "He's got a good record as a player for Bayern Munich."
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