Veteran Arsenal defender Lee Dixon was last night handed a surprise call-up to the England squad by caretaker-manager Howard Wilkinson - just over a month before his 35th birthday.

The full back made the last of his 21 appearances for his country more than five years ago in the 7-1 defeat of San Marino in Bologna in November 1993 during England's failed bid to make it to the 1994 World Cup finals.

Having been overlooked by Terry Venables and Glenn Hoddle, despite consistent performances for his club, Dixon must surely have thought his international career was over. But Wilkinson has been hit by a rash of injury worries ahead of tomorrow night's friendly against France at Wembley.

Paul Merson (back) and Gareth Southgate (hip) have been ruled out of the game already, while Sol Campbell has still not joined up with the squad due to a stomach complaint. There are further worries over Darren Anderton and Dion Dublin, who have groin problems, while Jason Wilcox and Graeme Le Saux are receiving treatment for heel injuries.

However, the main reason for Dixon's call-up would seem to be the ankle injury affecting Manchester United defender Gary Neville. Neville is the only recognised right back in the squad, although Martin Keown could fill the role, while Anderton and David Beckham would be contenders for a wing-back slot.

If Wilkinson is intent on playing a back four, Dixon could even be in line for a starting place if Neville's injury fails to clear up and Keown is destined for man-marking Zinedine Zidane.