MATTHEW LE TISSIER was the last Saints man to play for England back in 1997. As new England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson settles into his job, we think it's time today's Saints stars had international recognition. James Beattie is the Premiership's man-of-the-moment up front, and Wayne Bridge, Matt Oakley and Dean Richards are all class acts who could wear the Three Lions with pride. Here's an open letter we will be sending to Eriksson...

You could write, too, to the FA HQ at 25 Soho Square, London W D 4FA, or fax: 020 7745 4546.

Vlkommen ti England. Kom ti Southampton och titta vra spelare.

As you know, that's Swedish for "We come to England. Come to Southampton and see our players!"

In case you are unaware, Southampton hosts a Premier League club - in fact on y five teams have been in the top flight longer.

And we do have some very good players, a though you could be forgiven for not realising that if you have been studying previous scouting reports - or spoken to Howard Wilkinson.

Somehow, the Under-21s' coach has managed to pass over the best young English left-back in the country in Wayne Bridge. Mind you, it would help if he had actually watched him play at The Dell in person!

I know you want to build for the future and, with a desperate shortage of left-sided players, he has got to be worth a look.

Wayne can play in defence or midfield or as a wing-back, is quick and confident, gets forward and crosses well, packs a decent shot and works tremendously hard in defence.

Still only 20, he has started 36 consecutive Premiership games, making him the most experienced player of his age in that position.

One of your England predecessors, Glenn Hoddle, is our manager and he rates Wayne as being better than Graeme Le Saux at the same age.

Of course he's not the finished article yet but he is going to be one hell of a player and you could do worse than at least include him in your first full squad for experience and to see his qualities close-up.

The same goes for Dean Richards, who, at 26, is approaching the prime of his career. If you are looking to replace the ageing Tony Adams, Deano may be your man.

He is strong in the air, quick on the ground, a threat at set-pieces and reads the game superbly. He has already shackled many of the Premiership's top strikers this season and is getting better with every game.

If you do come, you could also take a look at James Beattie and Matt Oakley as possibles for the future - or in case you decide to revive the B internationals.

Beattie is the man in form right now with ten goals in his last 12 league games. His physical presence and endless enthusiasm unsettle defenders and make him a potent threat.

Oakley has now established himself as one of the brightest young midfielders in the country with good vision and range of passing, powerful strike and determination in the tackle.

He writes for the Echo as well, which is another reason to pick him! It would make a great column!

The best way to judge them is to see for yourself. We have not had too many visits from the England hierarchy in recent years, so please nip down the M3 - it's only an hour from London.

I have taken the liberty of enclosing a map of how to get here, since the one at the FA must only show London and the north.

Look forward to seeing you in Southampton soon.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Hiley (Saints writer).