England  v  Iceland
The FA Summer Tournament
City of Manchester Stadium
25 June 2004, 3.30pm

Sven-Göran Eriksson admits he will use flexible systems during Euro 2004 to ensure England stand a great chance of winning the competition.

Sven will revert to a 4-4-2 formation against Iceland at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday after employing the diamond shape against Japan on Tuesday night.

England produced a disappointing performance during their 1-1 draw against Japan and Sven now wants to see how his side fare using their much trusted gameplan.

Paul Scholes is expected to play on the left side with Frank Lampard partnering Stephen Gerrard in the heart of the midfield. Captain David Beckham will remain on the right side.

But the England Head Coach has not ruled out the possibility of going back to the diamond shape for the opening game against France in Lisbon and insists he will use both systems in Portugal to ensure his side have the best chance of winning the competition.

Sven said: "We need to look at both systems because we might need it in the tournament one way or the other.

"So why don’t I use the chance to use one against Japan and the other against Iceland?

"I think it is a good opportunity and then I will decide game-by-game what to do.

"If it sends out uncertainty to the French camp, then very good from our point of view. If they see we are nervous or insecure I am happy for them to think that.

"The players are happy playing either system. We played 4-4-2 a few years ago and did it very well, but have also played the diamond shape and done that very well.

"I don’t think the players are worried one way or the other. They are happy to try both and then see what happens. We have shown in the big games we can play with both.

"I spoke to the players on Friday morning and told them what system we would be using. I am looking forward to the Iceland game to see how it works out.

"I hope we get it right when it comes to Euro 2004. We are working very hard to make sure that happens and I hope the nation can trust me to pick the best side."

Eriksson does not believe the appointment of France coach Jacques Santini as the new Tottenham manager will disrupt the French players in their build-up to Euro 2004.

Santini made a shock decision to quit his job when the tournament finishes to take over the managerial reigns at White Hart Lane.

But the England coach believes there are to many quality players in the French squad to let a decision like that affect their chances of winning the competition.

Eriksson added: "I would be very surprised if the departure of Jacques Santini would disrupt the players and their performances going into Euro 2004.

"Both the players and the manager are much to professional for that to happen. It would be a big surprise for me if they were influenced by that.

"The French players are going to Portugal to try and win the tournament. The coach is not leaving until after the competition finishes and they want to win this competition."

Eriksson has played down reports that striker Wayne Rooney’s fitness levels are suffering at the moment.

The Everton striker was involved in another controversial incident during the 1-1 draw against Japan, but Eriksson does not believe the striker has a problem with his temperament going into a major competition.

He said: "I looked at the video a couple of times and I don’t think his challenge was that bad. I will say a couple of words to him before the Iceland game.

"He is only 18-years old and full of temperament when he is out on the pitch which is a good thing. If you lose that, you lose a lot of his talent.

"I am not worried about his temperament at all. We are only worried about his fitness levels. He has done a little more running than the other players.

"He seemed to be missing a little bit against Japan in terms of him being bright and I hope we can improve that. I heard someone say he has put on weight, but that is not true."

Eriksson is likely to make two changes for the game against Iceland with Paul Robinson starting in goal in place of first-choice David James.

Jamie Carragher will also get the chance to impress at the heart of the England defence as John Terry is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Eriksson said: "Paul Robinson will start the game instead of David James and Jamie Carragher is likely to come in for the injured John Terry.

"At half-time I will make ten changes and I hope the fans understand that because it is the last chance I get to do it."