England no longer small fry

That night the whole group - coaches and players - watched the TV coverage of Germany's 2-2 draw with Finland. "An encouraging result for us," said Eriksson. "But it will mean nothing unless we beat Greece and win our remaining games."

What enhanced the mood as Eriksson's squad prepared to fly to Athens was the knowledge that England are once again masters of their own destiny in Group Nine.

If they win their remaining four matches - Greece and Germany away and Albania and Greece at home - they could finish above Germany on goal difference. Compare this to the situation in October when England were suddenly without a manager and bottom of the group with just one point from the opening two games.

With stealth and diplomacy Eriksson has convinced the players he inherited from Kevin Keegan that they are good enough to salvage the situation and qualify for a place in next summer's finals in Japan and Korea. The trip to La Manga has helped reinforce the team spirit that was partly restored by two good performances in the qualifying ties against Finland and Albania. "It's up to us to continue our good form in Greece on Wednesday," said Beckham.

"We've enjoyed getting used to the heat in Spain and the late kick off in Athens will help us. We know how important it will be to preserve energy by keeping possession of the ball."

Beckham's emergence as a mature and dutiful captain has clearly helped Eriksson's attempts to establish a more relaxed atmosphere among the players. "It's been a good week," said the Manchester United midfielder.

"The important thing is that no one has overstepped the mark. We all have respect for the manager, the staff and each other. Even around the hotel people have commented about how the players are so relaxed and happy to spend time chatting to other guests. Someone said that he found it unbelievable that his son could sit and have a coffee with some of the players.

"That's the nice thing about this squad. No one's got a problem with sitting and talking to kids and giving them tee-shirts and caps.

"From my point of view the other nice thing is that the week away has given me the chance to mix with players I didn't know well. Certain groups will always sit together - the United lads, the Liverpool lads - but for players to mix together as they have done this week is very good for team spirit."

Germany's inability to beat Finland has added to the renewed sense of confidence in the England camp. Suddenly it's all going well, perhaps too well. To date the transformation has been remarkable but the first real test of the gospel according to Sven will come in the heat of Athens on Wednesday night.