Eriksson: England can be world beaters
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes England have the quality to win the World Cup - and insists they are one of the four or five favourites to lift the trophy next summer.
Eriksson admits his side must improve from their faltering displays so far this season, while he accepts they must also avoid injuries to key players to make a major impact in Germany.
However, he insisted their narrow 1-0 win against Austria was a “big step forward” after the defeats by Denmark and Northern Ireland, and his belief in his players has not been shaken.
England secured automatic qualification for the finals, joining the likes of Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, Holland and Italy, when the Czech Republic’s defeat by the Dutch left Eriksson’s side as at least one of the best runners-up.
Brazil remain the clear favourites, having qualified in style, while Argentina will also pose a huge threat, Holland are approaching their peak and Germany, as hosts, have rebuilt their team.
Italy are also safely through along with Portugal, Ukraine, Croatia, Sweden and Poland, even if France and Spain are still at risk of the play-offs.
However, Eriksson, whose team can still secure top spot in their group by defeating the Poles on Wednesday, declared: “England are one of four or five teams who could win the World Cup.
“If we are lucky with no more injuries and things like that, I think we can do it. Of course, everything depends on injuries and if we have all the players fit, then I’m very very confident.
“I said after almost two years that I was confident England would qualify and do a very good World Cup and I go on saying it now.
“We have to play better than we did this season but we will play better. My feeling is very strong that we have an extremely good team and we are one of four or five nations that can win it.”
England remain dependent on Wayne Rooney’s fitness, having faltered in Portugal when he went off injured, while they also need the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen and David Beckham to be at their best.
Indeed, Eriksson will have to cope without Gerrard and Sol Campbell, who have now joined Gary Neville and Ashley Cole on the injury list, as well as Beckham, who is suspended, for the final group tie against Poland.
Beckham, Gerrard and Campbell are nevertheless still planning to be with the squad ahead of Wednesday’s game, underlining the strong spirit within the unit.
Beckham shares Eriksson’s confidence despite the clear warning signs posed by their struggles so far this season and even in their win against Austria.
“This could be the year. It’s definitely realistic, but there’s a lot of hard work to be put in first,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“You never get anything without working hard. Of course we always look for improvements, as a team and individuals, and I’m sure the manager does as well. We’re going to do that.”
After Wednesday’s game, Eriksson will start fine-tuning England’s preparations for the finals, with an extra week’s rest already having been secured for his players after the domestic season.
“I’m very excited because the big aim for us since two years ago has been to qualify for the World Cup and there were a lot of discussions about England not going, especially after the Northern Ireland game,” he added.
“Now the big aim is to prepare everything in detail for the World Cup. I should like to thank all the players who have been involved and all the fans who have supported us, they’ve been fantastic.”
The draw in December will allow them to make detailed preparations over their base camp, as well as finalising their intended opponents for their warm-up games, with four friendlies planned before next June.
The Football Association’s finances will also benefit, especially with talks continuing with their main sponsors over renewing their backing, while the pressure has – albeit temporarily – lifted off Eriksson’s shoulders.
FA chief executive Brian Barwick told the FA’s website, www.theFA.com : “We are delighted to have qualified for next year’s World Cup finals.
“The achievement vindicates all the hard work that has been done by Sven and his squad. I know just how much England fans up and down the country enjoy watching their team playing in major tournaments.
“Next summer will be no different and we look forward to a repeat of the incredible, unrivalled support the team received in Euro 2004.”
