The transformation of the England team since Mr Eriksson's arrival on these shores is further testament to the Swedes powers of motivation and organisation so when he accepted Howard Wilkinson's invitation to deliver a speech on the F.A.'s pioneering Pro-Licence Coaching Course to pass on some of the secrets of his success, there were many eager listeners.

Eriksson revealed that coaching England has been a totally different proposition to any of the posts he has held previously, not least in the extent to which he is able to work with his players on the training pitch.

"I have worked out that we have been together for 42 days since I have arrived. Ten of those days have been match days, which leaves 32, a further ten days have been the day after club games, and 10 more days have been immediately prior to a game.

"That leaves twelve days. What can you do in twelve days? It means that you must pick the right players and, as far as is possible, let them play where they are used to playing.

"For sure I would like to look at other options - of course it would be interesting to see Beckham in the middle - but football is not so easy to expect to be able to have just a couple of training sessions with something new and to then transfer it onto the pitch without a problem.

Eriksson also explained how building relationships has been uppermost in his mind and actions since taking over as England manager.

"You might think that you are the boss [when you are coach of England], but you soon realise that you are also dependent on club managers in every respect - that relationship is crucial," he explained.

"As a club manager you are much more focused on your own team and problems, where as this job requires you to be more conciliatory."

When asked about the way in which his role and profile have changed in his time as a coach, Sven looked back to his earliest days in Sweden as a different era entirely.

"In 27 years in coaching, the way in which I have worked has changed dramatically," he stated.

"Starting from Gothenburg, where I did everything, every year I have delegated more, taking on specialised people for different areas of the team.

"I think that is the way that football is going - a bit like American Football. In ten or fifteen year's time, we might have a coach who works only on crossing.

"I realised when I came into this job that we have very many good young coaches in England so I work with them [Sammy Lee, Steve McClaren and previously Peter Taylor], and tell them what I want them to do.

"I have noticed too that you can see what is going on a bit better if you stand at the side.

"I do miss coaching but I cannot complain because I am very happy with what I am doing.

One of the areas that Sven believes has yet to utilised to its full potential is that of psychology.

"All managers are at least a little bit interested in the psychological aspect of the game," he said.

"If we go into the heads of players we need a specialist to do it, but I believe that this is the future of the game.

"Tactically and physically we are doing almost all we can, but there is still much more that we can do mentally."

After he had finished his speech to a warm ovation from the students present, Sven then returned to where he had been speaking to say: "There is one more thing I would like to mention, and that is that I can't believe that I am standing here today talking and Bobby [Robson, who was about to give his own speech] is listening to me.

"I remember the first time I ever met Bobby was when I was an unknown young man coming over from Sweden to England by ferry to watch the best team in England at the time - Ipswich Town.

"I went to training and afterwards managed to grab a few words with Bobby who was the manager. He even invited me into his office to talk about football and we were there for two hours.

"He asked me if I was going to Ipswich's game the next day and I told him that I was. He enquired if I needed a ticket and I said that I would very much like a ticket but of course would pay for it myself.

"Bobby then asked me where I wanted to sit to which I said I didn't mind, anywhere would be fine so you can imagine my surprise when he offered me a seat in the dug-out!

"So, the next day, there I was sat next to Bobby in the Ipswich Town dug-out, it was the first time I was ever on television, and it means it is very special for me to be giving a speech today and Bobby is here to hear it."

It was the perfect illustration for the coaches on the course that ambition, determination, talent, and a few helping hands can see you rise to the top of the coaching ladder.

And, when it is Sven-Goran Eriksson delivering the lesson, it is difficult not to listen.

The students taking this season's Pro-Licence are: Noel Blake, Terry Burton (Wimbledon FC), Steve Cotterill (Cheltenham Town FC), Mervyn Day (Charlton Athletic FC), Dario Gradi (Crewe Alexandra FC), Stewart Houston, Chris Hughton (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Dave Jones (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Sammy Lee (Liverpool FC), Lawrie Sanchez (Wycombe Wanderers FC), Alan Smith.