'Everything depends on what you do at the big tournaments. If we do well I will be popular and if we don't then I will be criticised.'
Eriksson has consistently refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing over the Chelsea affair and a crack in his cool demeanour appeared when asked if he believed the matter was closed.
'I hope this is the last time I have to comment on it,' he said.
'It's history and what counts for me is the future.
'A lot depends on the media now.You can take it seriously if you want, or as a joke, but mainly it depends on the media if it is over or not and that comes from the heart.'
He felt the need to clarify the matter with his squad yesterday, however, and when quizzed as to what his gauge of success would be for the finals in Portugal this summer, he recognised expectations were high.
'Winning would be good and reaching the final would not be bad and even the semi-final is not a disaster, but I think it's very difficult to say we have to win,' said Eriksson.
'Hopefully, we go through (the first stage) and if we go to the semi-finals a lot will depend on who we play. To win anything you need to have a bit of luck.'
England will field an experimental side against Sweden in Gothenburg's Ullevi Stadium, with Alan Thompson of Celtic expected to start on the left of midfield.
Jonathan Woodgate and John Terry play in central defence as they fight for the right to partner Sol Campbell in England's opening Euro 2004 match against France on June 13.
