By Andrew Warshaw
November 5 – Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has ruled out any chance of the country winning the World Cup next summer. The multi-travelled 65-year-old Swede, currently coach of Chinese Super League team Guangzhou R&F, led England to the quarter-finals in both 2022 and 2006 but doubts they can improve on that in Brazil.
“I don’t believe they can win the World Cup in Brazil. Maybe in Russia in 2018. There are a lot of young players coming in,” said Eriksson. “I think it’s easier to win it there than in Brazil.”
England are not among the top seeds for the December 6 draw but Eriksson’s comments need to be placed in context since no European side has ever won the competition in South America.
Eriksson believes another run to the last eight by England would be a decent bet. “Expectation does not seem to be what it was in the past and I think that’s very good for the team,” he told BBC Radio as part of a promotional campaign for his forthcoming book.
Eriksson is a big believer in a winter break for English football as one way of catching up with the top European powers. “It’s not that difficult. Take one week in January and give the players a week off, then take them in and prepare for the game after,” he said.
“I think everyone agrees if you take a break it will be very good for England. Is that the main thing holding England back? For sure, it’s one thing, maybe the easiest thing. I know players would love it and they would feel better for the rest of the season.”
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