We are not talking about Sven here though - this is Leif Sward, the new England team doctor. Having started working with the team for the friendly against Portugal in September and then meeting up again for the double-header against Slovakia and Macedonia, Sward has now emerged as a key member of Sven's back-room team as the man responsible for the medical well-being of the star-studded England squad.

Leif's first task has been to strike up relations with the club doctors - something he feels is vital to doing his job properly.

"Because I am something of an unknown for the doctors in England, I thought it would be good if I could meet them," he explains.

"That way I can tell them who I am, what I do, and look at ways that we can co-operate to ensure we get the best treatment for England's players.

"If we have those lines of communication it will mean that we can speak regularly and I can call them if I have any ideas. The important thing is that they know me so we can work together.

"The player must be comfortable with the situation and the co-working between the two of us is vital for that. If I say one thing and the doctor at home says another, then the player will confused.

"In my first week I visited Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Blackburn, Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham...it's hectic but very important."

Leif shares with Sven a personal charm allied to an outstanding level of knowledge about his profession. It's no surprise, then, that he has been received well by club doctors around the country.

"The reaction has been very positive which obviously makes it easier for me," he says.

"If we are successful and we get to the European Championships in Portugal then there will be much to prepare for and I think I might go around the clubs again if The FA approves it."

So how did Leif originally get the call to come and work for England?

"I have been IFK Gothenburg for eighteen years and, during that time I have also done some work with the Swedish national team," he explains.

"So Tord [Grip] and I knew each other and he was the first person to call me.

"It was before the Portugal game and he told me that England needed a new doctor. I started to tell him about a couple of doctors that I knew in England before he said 'I know you are very busy..' and it was then that I realised he wanted me.

"Initially I said 'let me think about it'. But, after I'd put the phone down, I realised that I didn't have to think about it. The next day I rang the Swedish Under-21 side, who I was looking after at the time, to ask them for their permission first and then I rang Tord to accept."

It's clear that Lief is proud to be working with the Three Lions. "The England team is the best team in the world for me," he admits. "I have always grown up watching English football.

"It was big news in the papers when it was announced that I had been appointed, people were proud - both the public and my fellow doctors. England could have picked a doctor from anywhere so I think it is right - we should be proud!"

And how has Leif settled into the atmosphere within the England camp itself?

"There is stress sometimes and you are always on your toes, but that is what you expect when you are working with a team like England and always playing in big games," he explains.

"The language has been tricky at times, not because I can't speak English but because footballers tend to speak a different language than most people! I have had to ask what a couple of words mean, but I am starting to pick it up now.

"The players and all of the staff have treated me wonderfully and Alan Hodson [The FA's Head of Medical and Exercise Science] at Lilleshall has also been extremely helpful.

"It's also been marvellous to work with Gary Lewin. He has helped me a lot and is a very cleaver guy. He is very organised and has been very good to me, we work well together which is good for us, good for Sven and good for the players."

Leif was talking to Daniel Freedman