Eriksson unfazed by successor talks
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the timing of the appointment of his successor will have no impact on the side’s World Cup chances.
However, he would not be drawn on whether England should go for another foreign coach.
The Football Association had previously stated the man to replace Eriksson would be named before this summer’s tournament in Germany and even though the process is taking longer than they probably anticipated, the Swede is unconcerned about the knock-on effect.
“It doesn’t matter, I don’t think so,” he said.
“Once the team comes together the focus will be on the squad, the friendlies we have and on the World Cup.”
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recently emerged as the favourite but that is a position which has been held by Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren, former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill and Bolton’s Sam Allardyce in recent weeks.
Eriksson is distancing himself from the constant stories talking up the qualities of the various candidates, although he did admit it was helping him.
“I am happy with the speculation, it leaves me in peace,” he said.
“I don’t have any ideas or comments at all about that because it is not at my table and I’m very happy it is not at my table.”
Eriksson added he felt the ongoing debate over the new manager would not affect McClaren, his long-time coaching assistant.
“Steve McClaren is a professional manager and he will work together with me and be sure we have a very good World Cup whatever happens in the future.”
The England coach admitted injuries were his only concern as the countdown to the World Cup entered its last six weeks.
Newcastle striker Michael Owen has yet to make an appearance having broken his foot on New Year’s Eve while Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole has also to prove his recovery from an ankle injury.
Tottenham defender Ledley King is out for the rest of the domestic season with a broken foot while Sol Campbell has had a stop-start few months and is only just making his comeback after an operation on a broken nose.
“If all of them were fit 100% then I should be almost sure of 21 or 22 but what I have to deal with now until May 15 when the final squad must be announced is the injury situation,” he told Sky Sports News.
“Our doctor is travelling to different clubs to check different situations so we know when the league finishes exactly what we have to do.
“Ledley King will not play football again this season and you have to take a decision when he is going to be fit.
“I am happy Sol Campbell will play tonight (for Arsenal against Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final) and Michael Owen will hopefully sit on the bench and get a few minutes at the weekend.
“I really hope, fingers crossed, there will be no injuries because I always said England will have a great World Cup if all the players are fit.”
