Post by Taxigirl on Jun 2, 2005 7:23:31 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4601847.stm
HUCK HUCK HUCKLE EH SVEN
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes England are in excellent shape to mount a challenge for the World Cup next year.
Eriksson has just seen an experimental squad win both games on their tour of the US, and says he now has more options as he prepares for Germany.
"With a year to go, and if we don't have any injuries, things look very good," said the Swede.
"I've never had a squad so strong, and I am very, very confident in the players."
The England coach is delighted that youngsters such as Michael Carrick, Peter Crouch and Kieran Richardson have used the mini-tour to push their international claims.
"I can now see more players challenging for a place," said Eriksson. "That's why this tour was so important for us.
"In a way it has created more problems for me in terms of selection but they are very good problems to have.
"I have not seen Carrick for a long time and he has done well. He gives me a realistic midfield alternative because he sits in there, is very good on the ball and has a very good passing range.
"Richardson was fantastic in his first game (scoring twice). I liked what I saw from Peter Crouch. Luke Young came on twice and did well, and Zat Knight was fantastic."
England currently lead their World Cup qualifying group by a point from Poland with four matches left and are in great form.
"My impression is that we are getting stronger and stronger and if we have everyone fit we can give it a real go next summer," said Eriksson.
HUCK HUCK HUCKLE EH SVEN
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes England are in excellent shape to mount a challenge for the World Cup next year.
Eriksson has just seen an experimental squad win both games on their tour of the US, and says he now has more options as he prepares for Germany.
"With a year to go, and if we don't have any injuries, things look very good," said the Swede.
"I've never had a squad so strong, and I am very, very confident in the players."
The England coach is delighted that youngsters such as Michael Carrick, Peter Crouch and Kieran Richardson have used the mini-tour to push their international claims.
"I can now see more players challenging for a place," said Eriksson. "That's why this tour was so important for us.
"In a way it has created more problems for me in terms of selection but they are very good problems to have.
"I have not seen Carrick for a long time and he has done well. He gives me a realistic midfield alternative because he sits in there, is very good on the ball and has a very good passing range.
"Richardson was fantastic in his first game (scoring twice). I liked what I saw from Peter Crouch. Luke Young came on twice and did well, and Zat Knight was fantastic."
England currently lead their World Cup qualifying group by a point from Poland with four matches left and are in great form.
"My impression is that we are getting stronger and stronger and if we have everyone fit we can give it a real go next summer," said Eriksson.