Peter Taylor intends to pick an England squad of 25 players next Thursday for the friendly against Italy.

But the caretaker coach and Leicester manager insisted he will not be selecting Leeds pair Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer.

The players are not being considered for England selection until their court case is heard.

Taylor, it has been reported, pressed the Football Association to make the players available, but he was keen to put the record straight today.

''I was disappointed with the way the story came out,'' he said. ''As a temporary manager all I did was ask the FA for guidance on the matter.

''They said they would prefer the players not to be picked and that's the end of the matter as far as I'm concerned.''

Taylor still expects to be in full control of the friendly against Italy, with the assistance of Manchester United's Steve McClaren, despite the unveiling of Sven-Goran Eriksson as new England coach.

Eriksson is due to take up the reins next July with Tord Grip his right-hand man. Whether the Lazio boss will arrive earlier than the summer is already open to debate.

Taylor said: ''I have not spoken to Eriksson although he sent a good luck message.

''He might pick up the phone in the near future but as far as I am aware everything is going to plan.

''To me it would be better if they (Eriksson and Grip) stayed out of things at the moment as they have enough on their minds.''

Taylor was back at his desk yesterday just hours after Leicester's shock Worthington Cup defeat by Crystal Palace.

But he was boosted by the news that the club have taken a giant step forwards towards building a new 32,000-seater stadium.

They have agreed a deal to buy a site at Freeman's Wharf for £7million in the hope of winning planning permission.

Taylor said: ''It is exciting news and we have to make sure we have a winning side that can attract the supporters.''