Leeds United 2-0 Sunderland

	Own goal: Jody Craddock watches as the ball loops over Sorensen's head (LaurenceGriffiths/Allsport)

Having no doubt made the trip to west Yorkshire to run his eye over World Cup candidates Robbie Fowler, Danny Mills, Nigel Martyn and Alan Smith, Eriksson was instead handed further evidence in support of the case of Lee Bowyer.

In the Football Association's ideal world, Bowyer would spend the rest of the season fading into anonymous insignificance.

Then they could leave the Leeds midfielder at home this summer without suggestions that he was paying an undue penalty for his court appearance on a charge of affray, on which he was acquitted.

Unfortunately for them, it is not happening like that and, if Bowyer continues in this vein of form until the end of the season, it is going to become increasingly difficult for those at Soho Square to explain why he isn't to be included in Eriksson's party for Korea and Japan.

The party line is that Bowyer has not been playing well enough. But, ever since his emergence from the substitutes' bench against Manchester United nine days ago, the Leeds midfielder has begun to show the kind of form that, on his day, makes him one of the more exciting, destructive midfield talents in the country.

With Steven Gerrard so vulnerable to injury, Bowyer is one of the few English players with the unique combination of defensive resilience and attacking impetus in the centre of midfield.

As such, he represents the ideal alternative - and yesterday afternoon provided a case in point.

Leeds and Sunderland provided 90 minutes of soporific rubbish, with only Bowyer - aided by fitful contributions from Smith - managing to provide anything to relieve the tedium.

He didn't score and managed to earn himself an unnecessary booking, but the 25-year-old midfielder otherwise contributed an impeccable performance.

Bowyer said afterwards: 'I haven't been playing that well, but I think my form is coming back. I am feeling sharper. I have had a break and it has done me good. There are four games left and, hopefully, my form will keep improving.'

Leeds manager David O'Leary was full of praise.

He said: 'Bowyer was just Bowyer. It was no surprise how he played. He needed a break earlier in the season when it all caught up with him - and our injuries wouldn't allow that. But his suspension has done him the world of good and he's come back as fresh as a daisy.'

Apart from Bowyer and Smith, who operated eagerly and effectively on the right side of midfield, there was little to raise the spirits.

Leeds were rarely required to raise their game above the mundane by a Sunderland team relatively safe from relegation but offering little to suggest that next season will be any better than this one.

Fowler was subdued, Martyn under-employed and Mills disturbingly bad as they tried to make an impression on Eriksson, while Sunderland's Kevin Phillips was withdrawn injured at the interval.

Leeds took the lead in the eighth minute after Bowyer robbed Phillips and fed Smith on the right. The young striker's teasing low cross was diverted above and beyond his goal-keeper and high into his own net by defender Jody Craddock.

After that, Sunderland fought hard and enjoyed spells of possession, but a low shot from Phillips and two errant efforts from substitute Patrick Mboma were all they mustered.

Fowler spurned three chances for the home team, who remain hopeful of a UEFA Cup place. All three were created by Bowyer, while the 25- year- old twice threatened to extend the lead himself with his admirable right foot.

Eventually, the second goal arrived in the 83rd minute as Robbie Keane ran clear to score adroitly but, in truth, dallying Sunderland defender George McCartney was culpable as he played the goalscorer onside.

It is doubtful that Eriksson had stayed that long. But, at least as far as Bowyer is concerned, he will have left with much to ponder.