How brave is Sven?

Twenty four years later Bobby Robson also dared to win by reacting to England's indifferent performance against the Republic of Ireland by bringing in Mark Wright as a sweeper for the next match against Holland. Some say he was pressured into the change by the players but whatever the truth about the tactical switch, it worked and England went on to reach the semi-finals.

Although Eriksson knows his football history, it's difficult to envisage such an inherently conservative coach making such dramatic policy changes unless forced upon him. But should England fail to beat Switzerland tomorrow he may have to consider just such a rethink.

Is Eriksson capable of an about turn at this stage? There are several issues that might benefit from a little radical thought - not to mention some radical solutions.

Owen and Rooney . . . It doesn't work
Radical solution: Drop Owen

This is highly unlikely. Michael Owen has long been considered one of Eriksson's 'untouchables' but he was substituted against the French. The Liverpool striker's place would be in far greater jeopardy if England had prolific international goalscorers among the back-up players. Emile Heskey has scored five goals for England in five years and Darius Vassell is a notoriously slow starter, much better employed as an 'impact' player coming from the bench. Perhaps Eriksson may yet regret not taking Jermain Defoe. There was once an automatic assumption that Owen - 25 goals from 57 internationals - would eventually overtake Bobby Charlton (49 goals) as England's all-time highest marksman, but his scoring rate has slowed considerably.

He was often a solitary attacking figure against the French, rarely leaving the comfort zone around the penalty area.

At the moment, Owen seems reluctant to explore the flanks in search of the ball unlike his strike partner Wayne Rooney who demonstrated vast reserves of energy in his desire to get involved.

Drop Scholes, as left side needs changing
Radical solution: Play Bridge

Playing Wayne Bridge immediately in front of Ashley Cole, or vice versa, is unlikely to appeal to England's coach. The position on the left of midfield nags at Eriksson like the 'paparazzi' outside his house. Paul Scholes, who played there against France, is naturally inclined to drift inside. Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole, Kieron Dyer and even Heskey are more likely to get the vote than Chelsea's left-back Bridge.

Naturally left-footed, Bridge started his career in midfield, likes to get forward and crosses the ball well. But he and Arsenal's Ashley Cole have

shared the left flank duties just once - in the 2-2 qualifying draw with Macedonia when Bridge was still playing for Southampton.

It was hardly a good test. Bridge was taken off in the second half of one of the most inept England displays since Eriksson took charge.

But Cole felt it was an interesting experiment. "I often feel a bit isolated out there on the left and I thought it worked quite well when we played there together," he said.

Beckham is no longer the best penalty taker
Radical solution: Lampard

Trevor Brooking has more chance of playing for England again than David Beckham has of losing the penalty-taking job. Beckham insists he wants to continue with the spot-kicks even though his failure to beat Fabien Barthez contributed hugely to England's defeat against France. His confidence remains intact. "If I missed four on the trot I'd still believe I could score the next one," said Beckham. He did admit, though, that he would stand aside if Eriksson asked him to.

The chances of that happening are practically nil so we may never know whether Frank Lampard, who takes the penalties for Chelsea, could do a better job. Owen is the other option for penalties, although his recent record with Liverpool is not encouraging.

Terry's ready to return at the heart of defence
Radical solution: Keep King

One of Eriksson's strengths is his loyalty to players and he considers Chelsea's John Terry, with eight caps, ahead of Tottenham's Ledley King in the centre-back pecking order. Past selection suggests that, if fit, Terry will be recalled to face Switzerland. The radical option, therefore, would be to keep King in the team alongside Sol Campbell. Together they were one of the big bonuses for Eriksson in the defeat against France.

Eriksson's tactics ensured that King was never exposed to Thierry Henry's pace which was significant in helping him adjust to the most daunting challenge of his fledgling England career.

"Fantastic," was the word former England manager Robson used to describe his contribution. "I'd keep him in the team."

My guess is that King will only be in the starting line-up if Eriksson believes Terry has still not quite fully recovered from a hamstring strain.

James is not the best goalkeeper
Radical solution: Robinson

This would really be a bold move by Eriksson and one that, in his mind, would require irrefutable evidence of David James's inability to protect England's goal. There is no such evidence at the moment, although Eriksson and his goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence must have looked long and hard at the film of the final moments of the French defeat.

Did James line the wall up properly before Zinedine Zidane took his freekick? And was the Manchester City goalkeeper unnecessarily reckless when he challenged Henry and gave away the injury-time penalty?

James has 25 caps and seven years' international experience. He is capable of truly brilliant saves - and woeful misjudgement.

Paul Robinson is an agile shot stopper but the new Spurs goalkeeper has never played a full game for England.

The other alternative, Ian Walker, has had just one start - and that was seven years ago.