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ERIKSSON: ENGLAND CAN WIN WORLD CUP
Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed England to win the World Cup next year - provided the pressure on the team does not build to "ludicrous" proportions.
The Swede, who is now director of football at League Two club Notts County, guided England to the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup in Germany but has tipped Fabio Capello to take the team all the way in South Africa next summer.
He told The Observer: "The expectation is going to be huge. But I really think they can do a great World Cup, (get to the) semi-finals or final. England has a good chance and I hope they reach the final and win it. They can do it, for sure.
"But the pressure on Brazil and England is bigger than any of the other countries.
"There is pressure on the Italians. But not like here. The pressure is from a combination of the media and the public. On one hand it's ludicrous. But it's dangerous.
"I wished when I had the job that I could calm it down. Not a chance."
Meanwhile, Eriksson reiterated that no specific promises on player recruitment were made to Sol Campbell, the England defender who quit Notts County just one game into a five-year contract.
Eriksson, who admitted contact had been made with the agents of Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari, said: "(Campbell) said something about the players not coming in, but he was never promised any other players.
"He was very much aware of the project and that it would take time. We want to build our own training ground, we want to make an academy, we want to do everything the best we can. But you don't do it over a weekend."
:thum:
Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed England to win the World Cup next year - provided the pressure on the team does not build to "ludicrous" proportions.
The Swede, who is now director of football at League Two club Notts County, guided England to the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup in Germany but has tipped Fabio Capello to take the team all the way in South Africa next summer.
He told The Observer: "The expectation is going to be huge. But I really think they can do a great World Cup, (get to the) semi-finals or final. England has a good chance and I hope they reach the final and win it. They can do it, for sure.
"But the pressure on Brazil and England is bigger than any of the other countries.
"There is pressure on the Italians. But not like here. The pressure is from a combination of the media and the public. On one hand it's ludicrous. But it's dangerous.
"I wished when I had the job that I could calm it down. Not a chance."
Meanwhile, Eriksson reiterated that no specific promises on player recruitment were made to Sol Campbell, the England defender who quit Notts County just one game into a five-year contract.
Eriksson, who admitted contact had been made with the agents of Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari, said: "(Campbell) said something about the players not coming in, but he was never promised any other players.
"He was very much aware of the project and that it would take time. We want to build our own training ground, we want to make an academy, we want to do everything the best we can. But you don't do it over a weekend."
:thum: