Sven spills beans in cheeky radio spoof

Sven-Goran Eriksson was the victim of a radio hoax when he thought he was taking a good luck call from his predecessor, Kevin Keegan but was instead talking to Century FM presenter and impressionist Mike Maguire.

After being fooled into thinking he was talking to Keegan, Eriksson admitted that David Beckham is almost certain to remain as England captain for the friendly against Spain on February 28.

England's new coach also said that Joe Cole and Kevin Phillips were the players who impressed him in Saturday's West Ham-Sunderland game and that Paul Gascoigne has no chance of a recall.

The entire conversation will be broadcast on the station's breakfast show today.

Maguire, who has fooled many sports stars, politicians andTV celebrities, introduced himself as Keegan and told Eriksson: 'I'm just calling to wish you all the best.' Eriksson answered:'Kevin, thank you very, very much. I am coming back to England on Friday. Next week I will phone you. I want to talk to you.'

He had no hesitation when Maguire asked him if Beckham would remain as captain.'Yes, I would think so,' said Eriksson.

Maguire said:'I think you are right to do that. I mean, I love him. Like most of the lads at England. But I had trouble with the cards, you know. They gamble a lot.You know, Paul Merson. I can't believe that you're going to let Paul Merson back in.'

Eriksson replied: 'I don't know.' Maguire then said:'I was trying to get to West Ham to see you at the weekend. Who shone the most? Was it Phillips or Cole?'