Sven to stay

14 April 2012

Sven-Goran Eriksson has promised to lead England into the European Championship tournament he believes his side can win in Portugal next summer.

In what amounted to a reluctant admission under pressure from the media, the Swede finally said 'yes' when asked whether he would remain in charge after watching England secure a courageous goalless draw against Turkey in Istanbul.

Eriksson has been close to accepting offers from both Manchester United and Chelsea during his three years as England coach and he was giving strong consideration to the idea of quitting his £3million-a-year post prior to Saturday night's tense match. Last week's controversy over Rio Ferdinand's failure to take a drugs test was also a factor.

It is believed he has even entertained the idea of managing Chelsea as well as England in recent weeks, but now, it seems, he has decided not to risk the wrath of soccer fans and will remain at the helm until at least the summer.

Paul Barber, the Football Association's director of marketing and communications, said: 'It should end the speculation about Sven. As far as we are concerned, he's got a contract to 2006.'

Six years to the day after England battled to a 0-0 draw in Rome to qualify for the 1998 World Cup, the national team produced a performance that left Eriksson and his players full of optimism.

'I'm very proud and very happy,' said Eriksson.'In the important matches this team has stood up many times and been very, very strong.

'We shouldn't be afraid of any team. I can't say we will win Euro 2004 but we're good enough to win it. We're one of a few teams that have that ability. In a real game it's not that easy to beat England any more.'

Steven Gerrard was among England's finest performers on Saturday and he said: 'I hope we will be one of the favourites at Euro 2004. We have proved that we can mix it with the best. I don't see why we can't win the tournament.' Both Gerrard and David James stressed the importance of Eriksson remaining as coach.

Gerrard said: 'It is very important that he takes us into that tournament. I don't think there is anybody better.' James added: 'Sven is the man who has got us here. His record since taking over for the World Cup qualifiers is fantastic.' According to Barber, qualification for Euro 2004 could be worth in the region of £100m to the cashstrapped FA.

The governing body are planning five friendly fixtures between now and June, starting with a possible clash against the Czech Republic on November 15.

Old Trafford is a possible venue, but Manchester United might need to offer a retraction, after accusing the FA of breaching Ferdinand's right to confidentiality, before the game is offered to the champions.

MORE ABOUT

Chelsea F.c.

Sven to stay

Read More