United announcement:
"Prior to the initial squad announcement United coaching staff spoke with Sven and the FA and it was agreed that Alan Smith would be left out of the squad so he could gain match fitness.
"It was then cleared that he would play in last night's reserve game at Bolton.
"It is by no means due to Alan Smith's lack of desire to play for England."
Eriksson:
"I didn't check up on how many games he'd played, but I talked to the fitness coach and he was very keen he should play 90 minutes, so it's a little bit my fault.
"I take the blame and it's finished now. The door is not closed for Alan Smith, I promise you.
"I think he had his reasons, maybe he thought he wasn't fit and wanted 90 minutes of football rather than sitting on the bench.
"I haven't spoken to him directly but it's important to stress that I have nothing against Alan Smith, absolutely not. It does not mean that he is out for the future.
"I think it's my fault that I didn't communicate what happened to more people. It was also a little bit my fault as I didn't check how many games he had played."