Post by Taxigirl on Dec 2, 2003 9:32:18 GMT
Sven-Goran Eriksson says he will decide whether to commit himself to the England coaching role before the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.
Eriksson has been offered a two-year contract extension to 2008 but the Swede is reluctant to rush a decision.
And the Football Association fears he could return to club football.
But Eriksson told The Sun newspaper: "It will be sorted before Euro 2004, but I haven't decided whether it will be tomorrow or in three months time."
He added: "It's too early to say yes, no or whatever. We've time to talk about it."
Eriksson has been linked with the manager's job at Premiership leaders Chelsea.
And the FA's public announcement of a new offer was widely regarded as a way of flushing out his intentions.
Eriksson attended the draw for Euro 2004 in Portugal on Sunday and admitted meeting France in the first game was a double-edged sword.
He said: "France are the big favourites to win it - but at least it means if we both qualify we cannot meet them again until the final.
"I would be happy with that of course, but we would have to meet probably Portugal or Spain in the knockout round.
"In one way it is good that our team will be playing against people like Henry, Wiltord, Pires and whoever else and they know them very well - but at the same time it means they will know us too."
England also play Switzerland and Croatia in Group B with the top two guaranteeing progression into the knockout stages.